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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap Copyiight No 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




REV. CHARLES S. SCHAEEKER 



The Story 

of 

A Consecrated Life 

Commemorative of 
Rev, Charles S, Schaeffer 

Brevet- Captain U. S. F. 

By , 
Charles H. Harrison 



" Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my 
brethren, ye have done it unto me" 



IPrinteD for tbc Butbor 

By J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia 
1900 



*\ 



2(>Go() 






73834 



Library of Conares^ 

"^wu Copies REcen'fo 
JUL 30 1900 

Copyright entry 

SECOND copy. 

Delivered to 

ORDER DIVISION, 
AIJG81900 



Copyright, 1900 

BY 

Charles H. Harrison 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer Frontispiece 

Mural Tablet, Memorial Baptist Church .... Page 56 
The First Freedmen's School- House, Christians- 
burg, Va " 118 

First Church and School-House, Zion's Hill, 

Christiansburg, Va " 134 

Christiansburg Industrial Institute " 146 

Memorial Baptist Church, Zion's Hill, Chris- 
tiansburg, Va " 266 



A FOREWORD 

BY REV. A. J. ROWLAND, D.D. 

Secretary of the American Baptist Publication Society 

¥¥ 

Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer was one of the 
noblest and purest men I have ever known. His 
singleness of purpose was extraordinary. At the 
beginning of his Christian life he gave himself 
without reserve to his Divine Master, and from 
that time until he closed his eyes in death his de- 
votion to the service of God and humanity knew no 
bounds. In his work for the colored people he 
identified himself with that race as few have done. 
Like his Lord, he bore their weaknesses and bur- 
dens on his own shoulders and carried them in his 
heart. Nothing that could be helpful to their prog- 
ress was disdained by him; nothing that involved 
self-denial and toil was refused. His whole life 
was a sacrifice. 

The results of his work were wonderful. Since 
the days of the Apostles, few men have been per- 
mitted to see so great a hg-rvest from the seed they 
have sown. Scores of churches owe their exist- 
ence to his ministry. He was the means, directly 
and indirectly, of bringing large numbers into the 



A FOREWORD 

Kingdom. His work in education was wise and 
fruitful. The large influence which he had ac- 
quired was exerted for the highest welfare of the 
people amongst whom he ministered, and was not 
only felt by thousands during his lifetime, but will 
continue to be an active force for good for many 
years to come. 

The story of such a life deserves to be told and 
read. I am glad that it has been written and put 
into book form. Those who knew Mr. Schaeffer 
will welcome and treasure it. There are many who 
did not know him personally who by reading the 
book should be brought in contact with his spirit 
and work. I sincerely trust that this story of a 
singularly modest and consecrated character and 
of a devoted and successful career will have a wide 
circulation and will be an inspiration to many a 
heart. 



CONTENTS 

iAPTER PAGE 

A Foreword I 

I. Ancestry — Birth — Religious training — Tendencies to 
wrong-doing — Interest in games — Education — Busi- 
ness career 5 

II. Conviction of sin — Conversion — Church-fellowship — 
Union with the Tenth Baptist Church — Church life 
and work — Keeping a " Diary" — Gift of song. . . 17 

III. Wider Christian work — Communion with God — Intense 
religious activity — Night-long prayer — A sea-side 
prayer-meeting — Interesting incident 31 

IV. Burdened for souls- — Interest in the young — Great re- 
vival of 1857-58 — Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tions — Noon-day meetings — Missionary work among 
the poor 57 

V. Exercised concerning the ministry — Final decision. . . 76 

VI. Abounding zeal — The Civil War — Mustered into the 
United States Service — At Camp Hamilton — Battles 
of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Portsmouth — Merrimac and 
Monitor — Wounded at Antietam — Fredricksburg — 
Wounded at Gettysburg — Home-coming — Provisional 
Battalion — Lost in the Wilderness — Resigns from 
the Army — Veteran Reserve Corps 85 

VII. Conditions after the war — Freedman's Bureau — 
Ordered to report to Marion and Christiansburg — 
Tour of duty — Crowded with work — Difficulties and 
reponsibilities 107 

VIII. The negro and education — Work of Freedman's Bureau 
— Extracts from reports — Assistant Superintendent of 
Education — Work of benevolent societies, etc. — 
Specimen tour of inspection 119 

IX. Christiansburg— School established — Opposition — First 
church and school building — Deed of trust — Better 
facilities needed — Virginia Singers — New building 
erected — Character of the Institution and graduates 
— New Institute building — Characteristic letter — 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

Friends' Freedmen' s Association — Struggle — Success 
— Differences — Withdrawal from Superintendency — 
Present condition 132 

X. Religious condition of Afro-American — Specimen of 
religious service — Aptitude for work — Constitution of 
Christiansburg church — Persecution — Social ostracism 
— The parsonage — Letter to friend — Excerpts from 
" Diary" — Uncle Richard Taylor — Return to Phila- 
delphia 148 

XI. Eschewing politics — Temperance — Local option — Anti- 
tobacco — Correspondence — Assistant Superintendent 
of Schools — Excerpts from "Diary" — Ordination — 
Preaching and organizing churches 179 

XIL Correspondence — Missionary Tenth Baptist Church — 
Independent action — Alertness to duty — Con-espon- 
dence 208 

XIII. Object lessons — Aid to churches — Matrimony — Death 

of Bessie — Excerpts from "Diary." 223 

XIV. Valley African Baptist Association — Self-effacement — 

Churches organized — Wayside work 230 

XV. Use of Bible — Knew men and God — Preacher and 

evangelist — Excerpts from " Diary. " 240 

XVI. Called to pastorate — Correspondence — New meeting- 
house — Beneficent gift — Out of debt — Dedication . 254 

XVII. Recalled to pastorate at Christiansburg — Big Springs 
church — Blacksburg church — Last report to Tenth 
Baptist Church — Statement of account 269 

XVIII. Work in Sunday-school — Class in theology — Social 
relations in church — Easter — Thanksgiving — Christ- 
mas — Singing — Rewards — -Old Folks' Home — Gar- 
den work — Little children — Children's burials — In- 
cidents 280 

XIX. A busy life — Severe affliction — Excerpts from " Diary" 
— Lengthening shadows — Close of third volume of 
"Diary" — Indisposed — Excerpts from "Diary" — 
Goes to Philadelphia for treatment — Surgical operation 
— Beautiful resignation — Another surgical operation 
— Death — Burial 294 

Appendix 315 



THE 
STORY OF A CONSECRATED LIFE 

CHAPTER I. 

When Dr. Lyman Beecher once was asked 
what was the greatest thing in the ministry, he 
replied, " Not theology, or philosophy, or con- 
troversy, it is saving souls." Charles S. Schaef- 
fer, whose memoir is contained in these pages, 
was not without distinction as a patriot and 
Christian, yet his highest excellence was shown in 
his passion for saving souls. He was born No- 
vember 1 6, 1830, in Germantown, Philadelphia, 
Pa., an important suburb of that city. The family 
traces its ancestry on the father's side to an immi- 
grant from Holland, and on the mother's side it 
is of German descent. 

Charles' father, John Schaeffer, was born De- 
cember 2, 1 79 1, and his mother, Sarah Stoever 
Schaeffer, February 8, 1791. They were joined 
in marriage December 12, 181 2, and their union 
was blessed with six sons and the same number 
of daughters, Charles being the eighth child. 

John Schaeffer was a man of considerable in- 
telligence, in good circumstances, highly respected 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

in the community, and himself and wife members 
of the First Presbyterian Church, Germantown. 
He was interested in all the activities of that 
church, and a faithful and successful Sunday- 
school teacher. His family, trained alike by pre- 
cept and example, was regular in attendance on 
the ministration of the Lord's house and the ser- 
vices of the Sunday-school. 

It was the custom of these pious parents to ac- 
company their large family to church, and as they 
passed up the aisle and took their seats in the old- 
fashioned high-backed pew it was an incident 
quite inspiring to behold, which, sad to say, in 
these late years is seldom witnessed. The habit 
of church-going thus established was found in 
after life by Charles to be a source of strength, 
when amid the temptations of a great city the 
young man sought and found a congenial church 
home. 

The home atmosphere, though truly pious, was 
sunny and sweet. Family worship was strictly 
observed, and the children were brought up in 
" the nurture and admonition of the Lord." No 
constraint was put upon conscience in matters of 
religious opinion, and the effect of this was seen 
in maturer years, when the children united with 
the denominations of their choice, representatives 
of the family joining the Methodist Episcopal. 
Episcopal, Presbyterian, and, Charles, the Baptist 
Church. 

6 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Referring to these childish days Charles writes : 

" During my infant days I was taught to lisp 
the name of Heavenly Father, to pray to Him on 
retiring for the night and on rising in the morn- 
ing. I was also at a very early age led to the 
Sabbath-school, where lasting impressions were 
made upon my youthful mind. I took particular 
pleasure in being present, and often felt the force 
of truth presented by faithful teachers. To the 
week-day infant-school I was sent at a very early 
age, where, in connection with mental culture, re- 
ligious instruction was given." 

Charles was a thoughtful, affectionate, tender- 
hearted, conscientious child, somewhat reticent, 
and possessed of a certain tenacity of purpose, 
prophetic of that resolution which determined 
him, with true Pauline spirit, among the people to 
whom he gave his life, " not to know anything 
among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." 

There characterized him a certain gentleness 
and winsomeness that made him a general favorite ; 
yet he was brimful of mischief and boyish faults, 
and often disobedient, so much so that in the 
" Diary" he deplores the folly and sinfulness of his 
early life. 

It is the fortunate experience of some persons, 
either because of hereditary tendencies or favor- 
able surroundings in the formative period of life, 
to enter upon the activities of youth and early 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

manhood with a trend towards truth and right- 
eousness. This was true of our subject. If for a 
moment he stepped aside into the gayeties of the 
world, and engaged in the dance or the amusement 
of the theatre, or in the coarser indulgences of 
worldly companionship, it was not without pain- 
ful scruples of conscience, whose strenuous guid- 
ing hand soon turned him into the right way. 
Concerning this period he records in his "Diary :" 

" But notwithstanding all the outward good, 
and surrounded in the providence of God by every 
restraint, yet within was an evil heart which con- 
tinually led me into sin, and, indeed, into open 
transgression. 

" I remember particularly the sin of Sabbath- 
breaking; first associating with wicked compan- 
ions, then absence from the Sabbath-school, and, 
finally, riding out on the Sabbath, and in an un- 
guarded moment partaking with those in my com- 
pany of the intoxicating bowl. But I bless God 
that in this last act He brought such conviction 
of guilt to my soul that I was obliged to relinquish 
ever again riding out with associates for pleasure 
on the Sabbath. 

" I also connected myself with a dancing-school, 
and went several times into the pleasures of the 
ball-room ; but in all I had a reproving conscience, 
and felt that I was doing wrong. What particu- 
larly affected my mind on these occasions was my 
consciousness of the fact that my mother with 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

aching heart was praying that her son might not 

be led into temptation Games at cards, 

checkers, dominoes, etc., were peculiarly attractive 
to me, although I may say not to the neglect of 
my lessons, but had an exceedingly bad tendency, 
bringing me into evil companionship." 

An interesting incident apropos in this connec- 
tion survives in the family. The barn back of the 
tree-embowered old homestead was the scene of 
many a joyous romp and childish escapade. On 
one occasion, as his sister tells the story, Charles, 
with a group of merry companions, had hidden 
away in an inner recess of this building, where 
they felt secure from unwelcome intrusion, to en- 
gage in a game of cards, an amusement positively 
prohibited. The game was progressing to their 
satisfaction, when Charles, having turned up a 
card that suited his purpose, in great glee ex- 
claimed, " Boys, clubs are trumps !" Just then, 
from the depths below, — they were in the hay- 
mow, — there smote upon their startled ears an 
awful voice — " Clubs are trumps ? I'll club you" 
— that brought consternation into the hearts of 
the little company, and broke up that source of 
amusement in that place for all time. 

It was the voice of the dear old father, who, 
coming suddenly into the barn, had surprised the 
culprits, and had been surprised himself by sounds 
to which his ears were quite unused. 

In the accepted meaning of the term Mr. 
9 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Schaeffer was not an educated man. It had not 
been his privilege to enjoy the advantages of a 
liberal training. Having in view a business ca- 
reer, it was thought sufficient, alike by his parents 
and himself, that he should receive a good English 
education. He was accordingly early sent to the 
public schools, where he passed through the sev- 
eral grades with credit, pursuing his studies with 
the thoroughness which characterized him in all 
that he undertook. Among his papers after his 
death was found a certificate from the principal of 
the grammar-school which he last attended com- 
mending him for faithfulness in study and excel- 
lent scholarship. He subsequently took a busi- 
ness course in Crittenden's Commercial College, 
where he graduated with distinction and received 
a diploma. 

It was not, however, until after his conversion 
that he awoke to a realization of the importance of 
a thorough mental training; and, as not infre- 
quently happens when mind and heart are touched 
by the Holy Spirit, a new impulse was given 
thereby to all his faculties. He became painfully 
conscious of his lack of intellectual culture, and 
sought by private study and careful reading to 
remedy the defects of his early education and 
qualify himself for larger usefulness. He gave 
much attention at this time to the study of lan- 
guages, and, possessing a superior voice, he also 
became proficient in vocal music. Mr. Schaeffer 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

was in an eminent degree what so many successful 
men have been — a self-made man. He was as 
truly educated, in the real sense of the term, by the 
use of circumstances, by experience and observa- 
tion, by the study of books and of men, as if he 
had taken a college course. 

It is evident that the training he received was 
the best possible for the successful performance 
of the work to which in the providence of God he 
was afterwards called. It was not the astute 
scholar and skilful exegete who could best mould 
the masses of rude and uncultured people to whom 
his services were so freely given. Thrown by 
the fortune of war and the Emancipation Procla- 
mation upon the sympathies and benefactions of 
the country, these freed people required special 
treatment, educational and otherwise. Poor, de- 
pendent, improvident, ignorant, the degraded vic- 
tims of a gigantic national crime, they could not 
be reached and helped by ordinary methods. To 
lift them up one must stoop to their low level. 
For its successful accomplishment this work 
claimed the man of practical ideas and broad sym- 
pathies, one in touch with the needs and woes of 
men, and not only imbued with the missionary 
spirit, but possessing the missionary education as 
well. It required also the capable and experienced 
administrator, one who could plan and execute, — 
in a word, a specialist. Under God, all this Mr. 
Schaeffer was. If so fortunate as to be able to 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

bring him before the reader as he really was, we 
shall see that his religious experiences, his train- 
ing in church and mission work in his native city, 
and his contact with men and life in the army 
qualified him in an eminent degree not only for 
" labors more abundant," but also for the extraor- 
dinary success which crowned his ministry among 
the colored people of Southwestern Virginia. 

Moreover, it seems probable that Mr. Schaef- 
fer's deep interest in educational work among the 
freedmen had its inception and found its stimulus 
in his personal experiences of the disadvantages 
resulting from a lack of early study, and the dif- 
ficulty of acquiring knowledge after the active 
work of life had begun. 

At the age of seventeen, having a desire to 
enter upon a business career, he relinquished his 
studies and entered the employment of Mr. Lehr. 
a dry-goods merchant, whom he faithfully served 
for nine years. At the expiration of this period 
his employer, desiring to retire from active busi- 
ness, arranged with his clerk to succeed him. 
Concerning this important step the following 
record is found : 

June J, 18^6. — " Making arrangements for en- 
tering business as successor to my employer. 
.... Have made it a subject of prayer, and 
committed it all into the hands of my precious 
Lord. I feel, if it be His will, He will prosper me 
in the undertaking; if for my good, He will 

12 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

check my prosperity. If I acknowledge Him in 
all my ways, He will direct my steps. Lord, give 
me grace and strength to do my part in the con- 
tract." 

He had been consumed for years by an earnest 
longing to preach the gospel. And that he felt the 
grave responsibility of the new undertaking is 
clearly shown by the following record : 

July I, 1856. — " A new era in my history, not 
opening as I could humbly desire were I qualified 
to become a minister of the gospel ; but as it ap- 
pears the will of the Lord, after years of earnest, 
unremitting prayer I commend all my in- 
terests into His hands. Whatever may be my fu- 
ture, prosperity or adversity, or changes of any 
kind, Thy will, O Lord, may it be wrought in me 
and through me, to the praise of Thy holy name." 

As one reads between the lines, it is seen that it 
was not without serious misgivings that he sub- 
mitted to what seemed to be the will of God; yet 
he engaged in this enterprise with a determina- 
tion to succeed, and was controlled by a profound 
sense of the obligations he assumed as a business 
man. Again his " Diary" records : 

July 4, 18^6. — " Feel the responsibility that 
rests upon me to prove faithful to my trust. First 
to my Lord and Master, and then to those who 
have committed their property to my care. I 

13 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

realize my position is only that of a steward, and 
as far as the Lord enables me, I am to act faith- 
fully in this capacity." 

The new business began prosperously, the first 
year's profits paying for " the amount of stock on 
hand at the commencement of the venture." This 
period of progress was followed by the " financial 
panic of 1857," during which credit was almost 
destroyed, great mercantile houses and banking 
institutions failed, specie payments were sus- 
pended, and business generally became paralyzed. 
The new concern did not escape the eft'ects of this 
overwhelming depression. The sales fell off in 
a large amount, and a considerable deficit was 
discovered in " stock takings," which could only 
be explained on the ground that goods had been 
surreptitiously removed. The volume of sales in- 
creased somewhat as time went on; but a year 
later a larger deficit was found in the stock ac- 
count, and although every effort was made to find 
the " leak," it was without avail. 

In May, 1859, in the hope of improving the 
business, a removal was made to a new location, 
but in the following April the " Diary" records : 

" Have found for a certainty that for a long 
time influences have been working against my 
business. At the old stand, although I knew of 
goods having been stolen from the door by ' shop- 
lifters' and from the counters, yet I did not know 

14 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the extent to which it had been carried on, not- 
withstanding every precaution was taken against 
it. Also, behind the counters, one or more in 
whom I had placed the greatest confidence proved 
recreant to their trust. I almost despair of success 
under the circumstances, notwithstanding my new 
and successful opening with a new force of 
hands." 

The difficulties increasing in the course of the 
ensuing twelve months, and finding it impossible 
to make headway in the maze of embarrassment 
which involved him, Mr. Schaeffer determined to 
close up the business. 

Under date of February 7, i860, he writes: 

" The waves of trouble are passing over me. 
My feet sink in deep waters Find tem- 
porary relief in the closet of prayer O 

God! my God! forsake me not, yet Thy will be 

done Lord, be near Thy servant; above 

all, take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." 

During these days of trial he was taken seri- 
ously ill, concerning which he writes : " Felt very 
near the eternal world. The Lord's arms of love 
beneath me." 

As soon as he became convalescent a meeting 
of creditors was called at his bedside at which he 
was urged to continue the business, but, being un- 
willing to assume further risk in the use of bor- 
rowed capital, he positively declined to do so. In 

IS 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

a few days, at the request of his creditors, an 
assignment was made to his father. As soon as 
possible thereafter the business was discontinued 
and distribution made of the proceeds. Concern- 
ing this trying episode in Mr. Schaeffer's experi- 
ence he says : " All that I received during the en- 
tire years of my business has been my regular 
weekly wages, such as I could have commanded in 
any retail house in the city." And with regard to 
paying his creditors the balance due them he 
writes : " With the Lord's help my heart and 
hand will cheerfully be given to the task." 

This pledge to himself he subsequently faith- 
fully kept. 



it 



CHAPTER II. 

The most extraordinary phenomenon, perhaps, 
in human experience is the change wrought in 
man by the Holy Spirit — that revokition in con- 
sciousness and Hfe which we denominate inter- 
changeably conversion and regeneration. It was 
a marvel to the " Master in Israel" ages ago, and 
it is no less a marvel to-day. He found it difficult 
to accept it as truth, even on the authority of our 
Lord Himself. But it has since come to countless 
multitudes not only authenticated by Jesus Christ, 
but as a fact scientifically, that is to say, experi- 
mentally, demonstrable. Men know that they have 
" passed from death unto life" and " been born 
from above" because of certain radical and clearly 
defined spiritual experiences and exercises, which 
have their legitimate consequences in a thorough 
change of heart and life. But the Holy Spirit's 
method of operation is as difficult of explanation 
now as then. Nicodemus did not understand it. 
Jesus did not attempt to make it plain. His suffi- 
cient word to him and to us, who even do not 
understand " earthly things," is, " The wind 
bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the 
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh 
nor whither it goeth : so is every one that is born 
of the Spirit." Since, then, in the lower realm of 
2 17 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

nature we do not know the law of the wind, is it 
to be expected that in the realm of the spiritual — 
that higher realm of nature, the supernatural — 
we should be able to understand the law of the 
Spirit? He insists that we shall, alike in the 
natural and in the spiritual, reason from the effect 
to the cause. 

Sometimes, like the wind, the Holy Spirit, in 
His regenerating office as a gentle zephyr, woos 
the heart, and sometimes, as the blast of a tor- 
nado, shakes the soul to its very centre; but in 
each case it is a different operation of the same 
Spirit, and the effect upon life and character is 
the same. 

It was the latter experience which marked this 
epoch in Mr. Schaeffer's life, and the conse- 
quences, as seen in his immediate and subsequent 
career, were as pronounced as is the change from 
darkness to light. At a very tender age the Holy 
Spirit began His benignant work of grace in the 
heart and conscience of this impressible child. He 
speaks of having been deeply moved when seven 
years old by the death of two younger brothers. 
But the struggle which ended in his conversion he 
describes as follows : 

" At the close of the last quarter of a dancing- 
school to which I was attached it was proposed 
that it terminate with a ball. Accordingly, ar- 
rangements were made and managers appointed. 

i8 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

About this time a revival of religion was in prog- 
ress in the Methodist Church, and as it advanced 
the interest increased among the unconverted. In 
the providence of God, one of our managers was 
led to attend the meetings. His soul became con- 
cerned on the subject of religion, and through the 
grace of God he was made the recipient of its 
saving influence. About the time the ball came off 
he gave in his testimony for Christ and united 
with His people. This incident became a source 
of much uneasiness to my mind, and although I 
engaged in that night of revelry, yet it was with 
a stinging conscience, particularly on its close, and 
resulted in its being the last time of my entering 
a place of that kind 

" During another revival in the same church 
I felt deeply the Spirit's operations, but thought 
that I could serve the Lord in secret, and thus at- 
tempted to satisfy my mind. The hay-mow be- 
came my place of prayer, and often with many 
tears did I entreat God to have mercy upon me; 
but having a divided heart, my prayers were not 
answered. This too became my place of resort 
when I had been committing sin or felt in peculiar 
danger, previous to a thunder-shower or some 
phenomenon in nature which aroused my fears 
and made me feel something of the ' powers of the 
world to come.' 

" Thus I continued sporting on the brink of ruin 
until God by His Spirit opened my eyes to my 

19 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

danger, and forced such conviction of sin upon my 
mind that I was led to hate the pleasures in which 
I once delighted. The house of God now hecame 
the choice of my heart and constant place of resort, 
but in the midst of the greatest trouble of mind. 
Having but a vague conception of the plan of sal- 
vation, and being without a spiritual adviser, and 
unwilling to communicate my feelings to any one, 
I continued long in this condition, seeking rest and 
finding none. 

" I now began to attend the meetings of the 
Eleventh Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa., often 
accompanied for encouragement by my friend 
E , to whom by degrees I unfolded my feelings. 

" Several times I was on the eve of speaking to 
the pastor in regard to my soul's troubles, but 
failed to approach the subject. This state of mind 
continued several months, when one Sabbath af- 
ternoon I providentially heard a sermon from the 
words, ' Who then is willing to consecrate his ser- 
vices this day unto the Lord?' and although the 
sermon was particularly addressed to the people in 
behalf of a worthy benevolent object for which the 
minister pleaded, yet at that time and in that place 
the truth was forced upon my mind that if I would 
find peace of soul, I must be willing to make a full 
and entire surrender of myself to the Lord. In 
that hour began the final conflict. Every prop on 
which I had leaned, one by one, gave way. The 
good resolutions I had formed, and my own efforts 

20 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

to consecrate myself to the service of Christ, both 
failed me, and I stood on the verge of despair. 
Some few weeks after hearing this sermon I re- 
tired rather earlier than had been my custom to my 
room and rest for the night. I felt on that occa- 
sion that the last struggle had come, that either 
hell must receive me as its victim, or an almighty 
hand be outstretched for my salvation. With 
these feelings I prayed, and, surely, as I had never 
prayed before. My life, my eternal interests, ap- 
peared all to depend upon the result of that hour 
of holy besieging of the throne of grace. I cast 
myself upon my bed in a state of hopeless despair. 
Thus I fell asleep, and became unconscious of the 
awful agony of soul which I had endured in my 
waking hours." 

" About midnight I awoke. A consciousness 
of all that had transpired came vividly to my re- 
membrance; my entire past life seemed to rise 
before me; death, judgment, and eternity were in 
view. The stillness of the hour also added to its 
solemnity, and as I lay almost motionless, — 

" ' I saw one hanging on a tree 
In agony and blood ; 
He fixed His languid eyes on me, 
As near His cross I stood. 

" ' O, never till my latest breath 
Shall I forget that look ; 
It seemed to charge me with His death, 
Though not a word He spoke. 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" ' My conscience felt and owned the guilt, 
It plunged me in despair ; 
I saw my sins His blood had spilt 
And helped to nail Him there. 

" ' A second look He gave which said, 
I freely all forgive ; 
This blood is for thy ransom paid ; 
I die that thou may'st live.' 

" I felt it all ; the eyes of my understanding 
were enlightened; the burden which had pressed 
upon me was cut loose ; my soul was at liberty : I 
had ' songs in the night.' Thus I fell into a gen- 
tle, peaceful sleep, from which I awoke on the 
morrow as upon an entirely new state of existence. 
From that memorable night a sweet calm took pos- 
session of my soul, and the precious volume of 
inspiration, which previously had appeared with- 
out consolation, now become as honey to my 
taste." 

The new-born child of God, according to a law 
of spiritual affinity, must needs seek the fellowship 
of his brethren and make public confession of alle- 
giance to Jesus Christ. These became objects of 
chief concern to Mr. Schaeffer. After " careful 
investigation" he reached the conclusion that " im- 
mersion" is the only scriptural baptism. Wander- 
ing from place to place in search of a church home, 
he was invited by a friend to attend a service of the 
Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia. Concerning 
this to him providential event he records : 

22 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" I consented, and shortly found myself enter- 
ing those sacred walls. The service was held ill 
the lecture-room, and the place being crowded, one 
of the deacons stood near the door in order to seat 
those coming in. As I advanced his hand was 
extended and a welcome given to the stranger. It 
went like magic to my heart. I felt the kindness, 
and immediately decided that I had found my 
home. The service throughout charmed me, the 
singing, the experiences of six candidates for bap- 
tism, the petitions for God's blessing upon all pres- 
ent, and, very particularly, the seasonable remarks 
of the pastor, brought me to the conclusion that 
this people should be my people, as I felt in my 
very soul that their God was my God." 

The subject of union with the church being set- 
tled, he sought his first interview with the pastor, 
Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, D.D., that eminent man 
of God, acquaintance with whom had subsequently 
so marked an influence in developing his Christian 
character and stimulating his spiritual life. He 
thus writes under date of April 26, 1850: 

"With Joshua, let others do as they may; 
as for me, I will serve the Lord. At noon, after 
a season of earnest prayer, in which my soul was 
much comforted, my steps were directed in my 
first visit to my pastor. I felt to be under the 
influence of th^ divine Spirit, inasmuch as my 
mind was entirely absorbed with eternal things 

23 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and unconscious of what was transpiring in the 
natural world. On reaching his residence, I was 
received by him very kindly, unfolded my heart's 
experiences and exercises, and informed him of 
my determination to serve the Lord. He expressed 
his joy that I had come to such a decision, and 
after words of counsel arranged for me to relate 

my experience before the church I left 

him with a lightened heart." 

As illustrating the beautiful spirit of loving con- 
fidence existing between father and son and in the 
home circle, note the following : 

April 20, 1850. — " This morning, on leaving 
for the city, I made known to the home circle my 
peculiar relations to Christ and my determination 
to serve Him. At my request, father attempted to 
read the first psalm, but his emotions choked his 
utterance. He then presented me to the throne of 
grace for God's blessing to rest upon me. There 
not only was liberty given him, but my own soul 
received strength, being filled with joy and peace 
in believing." 

On May 3, 1850, he made a public confession of 
Christ, " with much trembling, yet distinct and 
clear, so that all present (the place being very 
much crowded) might hear from my own lips 
what great things the Lord had done for me." 

24 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

On May 5, 1850, he was baptized into the fel- 
lowship of the Tenth Baptist Church, and thus 
makes note of the event : 

" A memorable day — the day of my espousals 

to the Church of Christ My soul sweetly 

strengthened and comforted at the mercy-seat. 
.... Here my pen fails to describe the heaven- 
created experiences of my soul. ' My cup ran 
over.' I had joy in the Holy Ghost. Again in 
the afternoon, at the table of my Lord, with what 
solemnity of mind I viewed the dying Jesus — His 
broken body and shed blood." 

Very soon the young Christian's life begins to 
assume form and color and to crystallize into char- 
acter. Moreover, its general trend will in the 
main be determined by its early surroundings. 
As its environment is healthful or hurtful, stimu- 
lating or depressing, so will it be fruitful or bar- 
ren, Christlike or worldly. 

The church into whose fellowship Mr. Schaef- 
fer was thus happily baptized was a centre of in- 
tense religious activity. Its membership was 
large, devoted, and well-organized. Under the 
benignant administration of its saintly pastor, it 
either took the initiative or was in the forefront 
of almost every denominational movement at 
home and abroad. In perpetual revival, its prayer 
and preaching services were crowded, impressive, 
and spiritual. Its large and noble band of conse- 

25 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

crated young men and women was alert for any 
call for service or duty. The pastor's mere sug- 
gestion usually carried with it the force of a com- 
mand, and his loving smile of approval was a suf- 
ficient reward for work faithfully done. Young 
and old alike profited by his wise counsels and 
fatherly regard. Few could resist the contagion 
of influences so charged with spiritual power. 

Forth from this church, and from under this 
training, ministers and laymen in large numbers 
have gone into all parts of this land, and into for- 
eign lands, to live and work for Jesus Christ. 
Catching its impulse, young Mr. Schaeffer was 
gradually but resistlessly swept forward as upon 
a tide of ever-advancing and widening Christian 
service. 

About this time he began inditing a record of 
his life. " My object," he says, " in keeping a 
diary is simply for self-profiting, by which upon 
the close of each day I may be brought into solemn 
consideration of the past; also, as an aid to devo- 
tion and a record of events." 

In nothing more than in the writing of this 
record is his earnestness of purpose and stability 
of character shown. For almost uninterruptedly, 
during a period of forty-nine years, in sickness 
and in health, in camp and field, amid exhausting 
travel and the fatigue of a life crowded with work, 
in the poor cabin of the liberated slave and in the 
quiet retirement of his own home, the daily record 

26 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ceased not to be regarded as a solemn duty and 
was almost invariably made. If circumstances ab- 
solutely forbade, a memorandum was jotted down 
and afterwards transferred to a larger volume. 
Several such volumes have thus accumulated, and 
are esteemed a precious legacy. Their pages tell 
a remarkable story of a consecrated life, and some- 
times furnish glimpses of experiences almost too 
sacred to reveal. 

Three days after his baptism he attended what 
was known in the Tenth Baptist Church as the 
" Youths' Prayer-Meeting," in which the young 
members and their friends met once a w^eek for 
prayer and conference. They were led by one of 
their own number, were participated in almost 
exclusively by the young people, and were con- 
ducted very much on the plan of the Young Peo- 
ple's Society of Christian Endeavor of the present 
day. They were greatly blessed in training up an 
efficient band of Christian workers. He thus 
notes his first meeting with them : 

May i8, 1850. — " Attended for the first time 
the ' Youths' Prayer-Meeting,' and found it good 
to be there. The brethren encouraged me by their 
kind attentions, and urged me to take up my cross 
and become an active Christian. Said they would 
expect to hear from me on the next occasion of 
the meeting. I felt some misgivings, but resolved, 
in the fear of God, never to stay away from a 

27 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

meeting for fear of being called upon to engage in 
its exercises, and when called upon never to refuse 
— the which the Lord help me to keep." 

May 2^, 18^0 — a week later : " Was present 
again at the ' Youths' Prayer-Meeting.' With 
much trembling presented my first supplication 
in the presence of a public assembly. Felt the 
precious promises of the Lord to sustain me 
in attempting to do my duty. Returned to my 
home blessing and praising the name of the 
Lord." 

May 2g, 1850. — "Attended the * Youths' 
Prayer-Meeting.' For the first time endeavored 
to speak to the honor of my Master. Felt that I 
must gird on my armor and stand out for the 
truth, but found that I was very weak, yet was 
supported by a stronger than L" 

June 2, 18^0. — " One month in the Church of 
Christ. Happy days ! happy hours ! Entered this 
morning upon the duties of a Sunday-school 
teacher at the Mission School, Commissioners' 
Hall, Spring Garden. Took charge of a class of 
boys, and felt interested in the work. In the after- 
noon was again present at the Sunday-school, 
which was conducted as a prayer-meeting." 

Mr. Schaeffer gave himself most heartily to this 
service. He had a " fixed time for devotional ex- 
ercises and the study of the Bible lessons." He 
was deeply solicitous for the conversion of his 

28 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

scholars, studied their personal traits of character, 
and by his earnestness and tact won their respect 
and confidence. He visited them frequently at 
their homes, prayed with and for them, and suc- 
ceeded in leading not a few of them to trust in the 
Lord Jesus. A number of them attributed their 
conversion to his faithful labors years after they 
had passed from under his care. 

Concerning his introduction to church life and 
work, a life-long friend writes in substance as fol- 
lows: 

" Urged by his pastor and members of the 
church to identify himself with its various work- 
ing departments and to exercise his gifts as op- 
portunity offered, being of a quiet and modest dis- 
position it was to him a severe trial to stand before 
an assembly and publicly engage in the services. 
He felt very inefficient, and naturally shrank 
from it. But he spent much time in communion 
with God, and the Lord imparted wisdom and 
knowledge; grace was given to him, so that in a 
very brief time he became one of the foremost 
workers in the church, and was wonderfully 
blessed in all his endeavors. His first effort was 
with a class of boys in the Sunday-school. They 
were attracted to him by his personal qualities and 
method of teaching. He soon gathered a large 
class about him, and succeeded in leading some of 
them to the Saviour." 

29 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

About this time he became interested in the 
study of vocal music. He possessed a tenor voice 
of rare sweetness and power. Recognizing it as 
a gift, for the proper use of which he was respon- 
sible, he assiduously cultivated it, cheerfully de- 
voting it to the Lord's service. With " a soul as 
full of melody as his taste was accurate," he was 
governed by a fine sense of the " eternal fitness of 
things," and as a leader of song always caught the 
spirit of the social meetings, selecting, by a sort 
of intuition, hymns whose sentiment and tune 
were in thorough accord with it. 

Fresh from the closet of prayer, his face beam- 
ing with spiritual light, the sweet strains of his 
voice touched many hearts, and seemed almost ir- 
resistible. None who participated in those spirit- 
ual feasts will be likely to experience anything 
more satisfying this side the celestial world. This 
consecrated talent was afterwards greatly blessed 
in the army and among the freedmen. 



30 



CHAPTER III. 

Our young Christian is making daily advances 
in the divine Hfe, and feels an impulse to wider 
usefulness. Six months after union with the 
church he writes : 

October ip, 1850. — " ' Whatever thy hand 
findeth to do, do it with thy might.' Took charge 
of the superintendency of a tract district, under 
the Philadelphia Tract Society, in the District of 
Spring Garden." 

This involved not only the personal distribution 
of tracts, but the charge of a company of workers 
who looked to him for supplies and general direc- 
tions in conducting the work. This he did faith- 
fully for several years. 

October 2^, 1850. — " Distributed for the first 
time my bundle of tracts. The more I am engaged 
in the service of the Master, and the closer I live 
to Him in all my engagements, the greater my 
pleasure in religion, and the more I feel to grow 
in grace." 

With his conversion began a life of almost un- 
interrupted communion with God. To him private 
prayer was a source of spiritual strength and an 
inspiration for every duty. He held no fine-spun 

31 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

theories concerning the " philosophy of prayer," 
but with the simpHcity and trust of a little child he 
made known his requests unto the Lord, believing 
that if he called upon God, He would assuredly hear 
him. Moreover, his relation to his divine Saviour 
was so vital and personal that prayer became to 
him a sort of atmosphere in which he lived and 
breathed — " his native air." And so he sought 
God, morning, noon, and night, and sometimes for 
hours together would wait before Him. It is not 
strange, then, that he seemed to dwell a little 
nearer the skies than most men ; and, being " risen 
with Christ," sought " those things which are 
above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of 
God." Neither need we be surprised that he re- 
cords instances, too numerous to quote, of light 
given in darkness, of strength supplied in weak- 
ness, of direct answers to specific petitions, of a 
nearness of approach to God so sacred, that he 
could not but feel that he knelt on holy ground, 
and at times a fulness of blessing so overwhelm- 
ing that the human vessel could hardly contain it. 
Nor was it only in the enthusiasm of youth and in 
the first flush of Christian love that his soul thus 
found companionship with God. 

Space will not admit of large quotations from his 
diary, but the following touching this point show 
the steady trend of a life in closest fellowship with 
the Lord, that through the years of a long religious 
experience never varied in all its walk : 

33 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Friday, September /j_, 1850. — " Enjoyed a sea- 
son of refreshing in closest devotions. Although 
always precious, yet exceedingly so to-day. Felt 
to exclaim, Can it be possible that God could come 
so near to one of the most unworthy of His chil- 
dren? Oh, the height, the depth, the length, the 
breadth of the love of God !" 

Friday, November i, 1850. — " Was present at 
the evening meeting. My soul filled with holy 
pleasure. Some anxious inquirers among us. On 
my return home felt burdened for my associates 
and friends — those having no interest in the 
Saviour. Presented them in the arms of faith 
before my Father's throne, and for Christ's sake 
sought mercy for them. Also, that my own soul 
might be stirred to holy diligence and active ef- 
forts in the service of my blessed Lord." 

Sunday, November j, 1850. — " .... Ex- 
pected to dine with some friends, but on the close 
of the meeting received a note from a dear friend 
stating that she was in trouble on account of her 
condition in the sight of God, and requesting a 
remembrance in prayer. I immediately returned 
to my home and closet of prayer, and with a full 
heart made known my request at the mercy-seat. 
When I arose from my knees it was past school 
time, to which I immediately hastened, and more 
than ever, I believe, felt to labor for the eternal 
good of those under my charge." 

Friday, November 8, 18^0. — " Another dear 
3 2i 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

friend under exercise of mind. Made the two the 
objects of special prayer this evening. Spent the 
evening reading the life of Harriet Newell, fol- 
lowed by intercourse at the mercy-seat." 

Saturday, November i6, 18^0. — " My twen- 
tieth birthday anniversary. What wonderful kind- 
ness the Lord has manifested towards His un- 
worthy servant in sparing life and giving length of 
days, and especially is His grace manifested when I 
remember how long I continued His enemy. Oh, 
what wonderful condescension, forbearance, and 
love!" 

Thursday, November 21, 1850. — " Singing- 
class this evening. Always find it to my profit to 
enter the closet of prayer before going forth upon 
any engagement." 

Friday, November 22, 18^0. — " My friend 
E gave in his name as a candidate for bap- 
tism. Oh, * My cup runneth over.' Also, my 
friend for whom my earnest petitions had ascended 
to the throne of grace has obtained hope in the 
Saviour." 

Sunday, December i, 1850. — " A most precious 
day to my soul. Seven months since I openly put 
on Christ by following Him in baptism, in obedi- 
ence to His requirement. To-day my two friends 

are also found in the path of duty Arose 

early. Had sweet communion with my Lord and 
Saviour; felt strengthened and prepared for the 
duties of the day." 

34 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Sunday, February 16, 1851. — Spent the clos- 
ing- portion of the day in my closet in fasting and 
prayer. Enjoyed one of the richest blessings my 
soul ever experienced. Oh, how sweet with Christ 
within the door! A sweet preparation for the 
evening prayer-meeting; felt an outgushing of 
heart at the mercy-seat as I led the brethren in 
prayer." 

Sunday, March p, 1851. — " Late in the even- 
ing. Have just returned from the chamber of a 
dying woman, one that I have been visiting for 

some weeks past, in company with E . Fear 

that she has been deceiving herself with the vain 
hope of recovery, without a proper anxiety for a 
sure trust in the atoning blood of Jesus. And now 
that she is in the embrace of death, her poor soul is 
in torture and her agony of mind most distressing. 
Oh, those shrieks ! methinks I still distinctly hear 
them; surely they will not soon be forgotten. 
Prayed with her till midnight, when, commending 
her to the compassionate and loving Jesus, we left 
for our home." 

Tuesday, March 21, 1854. — " Wonderful 
friendship and love of the Saviour! Wonderful 
visions of glory doth He present His servant in 
astonishment to behold! I cannot cease praising 
His adorable name." 

Thursday, October 5, 18^4. — " Enjoyed a sa- 
cred feast in my closet devotions. Oh, the sight! 
the blissful sight! Pen cannot describe. I sat at 

35 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Jesus' feet, I ate and was satisfied, I drank of His 
fulness, and thirsted not." 

Thursday, January i8, 1855. — " To enjoy the 
meetings of prayer and other services in God's 
house is to retire to the closet, obtain the company 
of the Saviour, commune with Him by the way, 
entertain Him while among His people, and cause 
Him by affectionate entreaties to take up His 
abode with you on your return. This has besn 
the secret of my own soul enjoyment ; and not only 
in these, but in every engagement I have endeav- 
ored to seek first a blessing upon it, and, on its 
accomplishment, to return thanksgiving and 
praise." 

Tuesday, April i^, 1855. — " Awoke this morn- 
ing with an oppressed soul ; not with guilt and 
sin, but with the responsibilities of my position as 
a disciple of Jesus. In my closet devotions, felt 
to draw near the court of heaven and to have 
friendly intercourse with the Judge. Made known 
to Him my humble desires, and received assur- 
ances that I had in Him a sure and tried friend." 

Friday, April 2y, 1855. — " One by one, each 
day in the week, of the many who rest on my heart 
as a burden, do I present individually at the 
mercy-seat. Oh, for God's converting grace to 
rest upon them !" 

Thursday, February IQ, 1856. — " Religion my 
first and chief concern and highest pursuit. May 
it continue as long as I have existence on earth. 

36 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Have been reading ' Harlan Page.' Crave to be a 
meek, lowly, and humble follower of the Lord 
Jesus." 

Saturday, February 14, 183/. — " My closet of 
prayer a constant resort. Through the day feel 
that I must go and pray for some precious souls, 
resting as a burden upon me. Feel surrounded 
and guarded and overshadowed by the Spirit of 
God. Oh, how sweet the experience of a soul 
abiding in the love of Jesus. Oh, for a constant, 
unceasing indwelling of the Holy Spirit." 

Friday, March ij, iS^/. — " Daily my joy in 

Christ increases My closet a continual 

Bethel; no cessation of intercourse with heaven's 
throne. Yet, can it be possible? In view of it, I 
fall low at my Saviour's feet, in love, wonder, and 
adoration. In the midst of my joy I feel greatly 
burdened for others." 

Saturday, December ly, 185Q. — " How pre- 
cious to my soul is Jesus. Daily I have close fel- 
lowship with Him. He communes with me by the 
way, and encourages my soul in its progress 
heavenward. Precious Jesus ! Precious Lord !" 

Thursday, October 24, 1878. — " .... On re- 
tiring to my rest had experiences before my eyes 
closed in sleep that I cannot find words to tell; 
deep, fathomless, unbounded, soul-confiding trust 
in God, my Saviour, took possession of my. whole 
being, while a poor, trembling sinner, I lay in the 
bosom of God's love. The news from Holcombe 

2,7 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Rock, received to-day, of numbers I left there for 
whom my soul was in great trouble having pro- 
fessed faith in Christ, the work deepening (at 
Salem) and all God's wonderful dealings with me, 
have led to the experiences of the hour. Hence- 
forth may God use me even more fully in His ser- 
vice." 

It has already been intimated that Mr. Schaef- 
fer's church home was truly a training-school for 
Christian workers. The week evenings were fully 
occupied by the stated social meetings of the 
church, by gatherings for prayer at mission sta- 
tions, or in cottage prayer-meetings, or by the 
bedside of the sick and dying, or among the poor 
and neglected. A choice band of devoted workers 
held themselves in readiness to assume the re- 
sponsibility of religious work in these several 
ways, and to enter any door of opportunity which 
providentially opened. The Lord's Day was a 
veritable field-day. From early morning till late 
at night its hours were consecrated to whatever 
would tend to the glory of God or advance the 
spiritual welfare of men. Nor were these efforts 
spasmodic or of short duration, but continued for 
years and developed a type of Christian character 
somewhat unusual in these days, when the line of 
cleavage between the church and the world is not 
so clearly defined as could be wished. Mr. Schaef- 
fer was foremost in all these movements, and 

38 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

seemed impelled by an unquenchable zeal and 
fired by a holy enthusiasm, which became the pas- 
sion of his life, and knew no cessation this side of 
the eternal world. A few selections from the 
" Diary" are appended : 

Sunday, June i, 1851. — " Was present at the 
early six o'clock prayer-meeting — found it exceed- 
ingly precious — a sweet commencement for the 
day. Sabbath-school duties pleasant. Pastor's 
morning sermon followed by the baptism of four 
happy converts. In the afternoon communicated 
at the Lord's table — a season of humiliation and 
love. At the close distributed my tracts, and re- 
turned to the evening meetings. Pastor's text, 
Gal. iii. 24," 

The " early six o'clock meeting" referred to 
above was not, of course, a stated service of the 
church, but was quite regularly held on Sunday 
mornings in one of the parlors of the meeting- 
house by such brethren and sisters as were spe- 
cially interested, as a preparation for the duties of 
the day and for united prayer for the accompani- 
ment of the Holy Spirit in the various exercises 
of the sanctuary. It was always regarded by Mr. 
Schaeffer as of great importance, and it was 
mainly through his efforts that continued interest 
in it was sustained. He relieved the sexton from 
the responsibility of opening the house, in the win- 

39 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ter himself attended to the heating of the room, 
and was seldom absent. 

Sunday, January ^o, i8^j. — " Had a precious 
day. Started out early to serve the Lord. Met 
three of my brethren in a little prayer-meeting, for 
God's blessing to attend us throughout the day. 
Instead of occupying our places at morning ser- 
vice, went forth in missionary labor, distributing 
tracts, reading the Bible, and talking to the people 
as we had opportunity, among the poor, destitute, 
and neglected. Found some unable to attend the 
house of God for want of clothing; others at 
work on the Lord's Day to help sustain themselves 
in their poverty; many young men on the corners 
of the streets engaged in profaning the Sabbath. 
To all we tried to do good, and on our return felt 
that our labor, put forth in faith, had not been in 
vain in the Lord. 

" In my individual visits entered the house of 
a poor colored family; read to them from the 
precious volume; tried to encourage those who 
were Christians, and to entreat those who were 
not to become the subjects of the grace of God by 
.surrendering their hearts to the blessed Jesus. 
The little season one not soon to be forgotten ; its 
influence on my heart indelibly stamped. After 
Sabbath-school in the afternoon attended the meet- 
ing at our little Bethel in Apple Street. Enjoyed 
a sweet season of nearness to the Lord. In the 

40 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

evening preaching, followed by a second meeting 
in the lecture-room, in which inquirers were in- 
vited forward and directed to a dying, risen Jesus. 
Returned home much fatigued, but greatly re- 
freshed in soul." 

Sunday, June ij, 1858. — " A day of precious 
remembrance; had much soul enjoyment. Com- 
menced anew early Sabbath morning prayer-meet- 
ing. Again, at eight o'clock, teachers' meeting for 
prayer. Had an interesting meeting with my class 
in the Sabbath-school; the Lord helped me in my 
endeavors to do them good. My soul humbled, 
and the fountain of my heart broken up during 
the sermon. Pastor appeared weighed down — ^bur- 
dened with the word of the Lord. Could not re- 
frain from weeping tears of deep contrition for 
sin and unprofitableness in His service. Returned 
home and entered into my closet, and there begged 
the Lord to make me such as He would have me — 
a whole-hearted, labor-loving, faithful, all-con- 
quering Christian. Oh, that sermon ! Oh, that 
hour of prayer ! My soul ! My soul ! At the 
close of the afternoon session of the Sabbath- 
school, after usual library duties, started off on 
our mission of love among the poor, wretched, and 
afflicted in the lower part of the city. Visited the 
aged colored sister in the loft. Found it to be the 
gate of heaven with open communication with the 
throne. From there visited a very poor, afflicted 
disciple of Jesus, and endeavored to comfort her 

41 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

in the assurance of a precious Saviour's love. Also 
visited another white female, one by appearance 
of the lowest grade of society, and a most pitiable 
object to look upon. Held a meeting with her, 
and tried to arouse her to a sense of her true in- 
terests, realizing that in that sin-deformed creature 
there was a precious soul which would live 
throughout the cycles of eternity — either in 
heaven or hell. Before we left she appeared 
moved to tenderness. Commended her specially 
to the Lord, who remembered the case of that 
wretched woman, with whom He held converse, 
spoken of in the gospel. From thence visited our 
aged white sister in Bedford Court, whose face 
continually reflects the brightness of her Saviour's 
image. Oh, how calm and submissive she is to 
the will of her Heavenly Father. God has taken 
one dear friend from her within a short time, — a 
faithful disciple who visited her, — but has raised 
up a number of young pilgrims to visit and cheer 
her in her lonely home. She is not lonely, how- 
ever, for the Master abides at her house. Re- 
turned very much fatigued to the church, in time 
for the early evening prayer-meeting, where body 
and soul were both refreshed while waiting upon 
God. Oh, how sweet the repast which Jesus pro- 
vides. It is better to deny oneself temporal bless- 
ings, to feast on the bread of life. The Lord with 
us during the preaching, and many of His people 
present to receive the blessing. Pastor's soul en- 

42 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

larged. Oh, what joyful news ! Mercy proffered 
through a crucified Redeemer. A second meeting 
followed; quite a number presented themselves 
for prayer. Returned home strengthened, enjoy- 
ing the sweet companionship of my precious 
Lord." 

Judging from the quotations which follow, the 
unreflecting reader might be inclined to the opin- 
ion that Mr. Schaeffer — and a few of his com- 
panions — was tinged with religious fanaticism, 
that his experiences were not governed by the dic- 
tates of reason or common-sense, and that he in- 
dulged himself in what some would call religious 
dissipation and regard as rather morbid than 
healthful in its tendency. But enough has been 
written to render it quite clear that he was not 
only thoroughly conscientious, but also thoroughly 
practical in what he undertook for the Lord ; that 
he lived upon a higher level than the average re- 
ligious professor; and that, in a word, he was 
controlled, not by a power, but by the power which 
" makes for righteousness" — even the Holy Spirit. 

It is not usual, and generally, perhaps, it is not 
necessary, for God's people to wrestle the night 
long in prayer; but Jacob of old did it, and be- 
came in consequence a " Prince with God" and 
prevailed. And the Master Himself did it, which 
will doubtless be a sufficient reason why His fol- 
lowers on occasion should do the same. 

43 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Friday, December i^, 1850. — " Just half-past 
four in the morning as I sit down to write. Have 
been engaged in a prayer-meeeting with some 
brethren up till this hour. Friday evening was 
present at the meeting; but few present, but most 
refreshing." 

Wednesday, January 28, 18^2. — " Youths' 
Prayer-Meeting, followed by an entire night of 
prayer for the descent of the Holy Spirit. Some 
eleven brethren tarried to the meeting. My own 
soul refreshed by its influence." 

Wednesday, December 15, 1852. — " My mind 
greatly agitated throughout the day. In the even- 
ing was present at the Youths' Prayer-Meeting, at 
the close of which, in company with four brethren, 
spent the night in prayer. The night's experiences 
inexpressible." 

Wednesday, February 2, i8^p. — " Another 
blessed occasion in God's house. Had personal 
conversation with a young friend about his soul's 
salvation. Went home to pray." 

Thursday, February j, 18 jp. — " Was again 
present at the meeting. From night to night com- 
mencing and leading the exercises at seven o'clock. 
Pastor present at half-past seven. The meeting 
this evening, though but few present on account 
of the storm, was one of powerful influence and 
blessing. At the close a number of young breth- 
ren tarried to an after meeting for prayer — to pray 
for an outpouring of the Spirit, and particularly 

44 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

in reference to the young man alluded to last even- 
ing, he being present with us. And oh, what 
melting of heart at the mercy-seat! How earn- 
estly the soul was poured out to God in prayer! 
The place was truly sacred. This meeting closed 
about ten o'clock. The brethren retired to their 
homes, all except a dear brother and myself, with 
my young friend. He felt as if he could not leave 
the place without a blessing. And oh, what hours 
of wrestling followed! My soul is moved at the 
remembrance. A little after midnight light broke 
in upon his darkened understanding, and the wave 
of trouble rolled from his oppressed soul ; his face 
became radiant with hope and joy, while with him 
we broke forth in praise and thanksgiving to the 

Redeemer Returned home blessing and 

magnifying the name of the Lord." 

It was an ideal Christian life which Mr. Schaef- 
fer proposed for himself, and, seeking divine aid, 
he constantly tried to live it. He would allow 
himself no dalliance with sin. It was axiomatic 
with him that there could be no middle-ground in 
questions of right and wrong, questions of " I 
ought" and " I ought not." He believed that 
Christ's command required the most heroic sur- 
gery, and, relentlessly using the knife of refusal, 
he " cut off" the right hand of evil habit, and un- 
flinchingly " plucked out the right eye" that 
looked on sinful courses with delight. According 

45 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

to His Lord's prescription, he felt that it was bet- 
ter to be maimed than to be damned ; to enter into 
life not having experienced the " pleasures of sin" 
— blind and maimed as to them — than to possess 
and enjoy them here, with the alternative of being 
cast into the everlasting fires of remorse hereafter. 
And so we find him concerned as to the use of his 
time, observing rules for the government of his con- 
duct, and particularly interested in reading helpful 
books and in the study of the Word of God. 

Thursday, February 20, 18^1. — " Gave to a 
young convert * Rules for Holy Living.' Having 
found this little volume of so much benefit to my- 
self, I cannot forbear distributing it among dear 
Christian friends and companions. This evening 
enjoyed one of the most delightful meetings I ever 
had the privilege of attending. Some thirty 
anxious inquirers came together for religious con- 
versation at the request of the pastor. A sight for 
angels — great joy in their presence." 

Friday, February 21, 18 51. — " Received soul 
profit in reading a portion of the ' Memoir of Ed- 
ward Payson.' Feel that I can adopt his views, 
particularly in regard to his notes on worldly com- 
pany. O Lord, draw off my heart entirely from 
the earth, and fix it upon Thee and heaven." 

Saturday, February 22, 18^1. — " Payson's 
rules for deciding difficult cases — I trust I may 
accept them with sincerity of heart, and carrv them 

46 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

with me through my entire earthly existence: 
* First, to do nothing of which I doubt in any de- 
gree the lawfulness; second, to consider every- 
thing as unlawful which indisposes me for prayer 
and interrupts intercourse with God; third, never 
to go into any business, company, or situation in 
which I cannot conscientiously ask and expect the 
divine presence." 

Tuesday, February 2^, 18^1. — " With my heart 
uplifted for God's blessing, I spend my leisure mo- 
ments in studying the Bible ; also in searching out 
His will in regard to my own particular case. 
Grant, dear Lord, to enlighten my mind by Thy 
Holy Spirit" 

Sunday, May 2, 18^2. — " Second anniversary 
of my espousals to the Church of Christ. What 
gratitude is due my Heavenly Father for His 
loving kindness towards me through the two years 
of my Christian profession! Surely I have been 
kept by His power alone in uninterrupted com- 
munion and fellowship with the Spirit. Yet in 
looking from Him to myself, it grieves me when 
I remember how imperfectly I have fulfilled my 
obligations to Him ; how far short I have come 
of glorifying Him; and the many times I have 
ofifended in heart the Saviour I love and adore. 
Yet my desires are for entire redemption from sin, 
to be saved from all unrighteousness, and to be 
cleansed and purified by the precious blood of the 
Son of God." 

47 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Friday, January i, 1858. — " Spent the exchange 
of years in humble prostration before the mercy- 
seat. After kindly greetings, a number of the 
brethren retired to one of the small rooms and 
spent a season of earnest, wrestling prayer. Re- 
turned to my home about two o'clock, with my 
soul revived and quickened, having reconsecrated 
all my powers of mind and body to the service of 
the Master. Through the day enjoyed nearness 
to the mercy-seat, and sweet meditations while 
reading God's Word." 

Saturday, January i, 18 jp. — " Have had sol- 
emn reflections in looking over all the way in 
which the Lord has led me. Have been blessed 
in every way, — in my business, in my health and 
strength of bodily endurance, in my labors of love, 
in self-denial, in fastings oft, in bearing the cross, 
in afflictions and losses, in bereavements and 
crosses, and in many ways. I acknowledge them 
all, realizing the fulness of the scripture which 
reads, * All things work together for good to them 
that love God, to them who are called according 
to His purpose.' " 

There seems to have been no means of grace 
which Mr. Schaeffer did not employ. While in- 
tensely active in all sorts of ministries of mercy 
and love, and abiding, as we have seen, in an at- 
mosphere of prayer, he was often occupied as well 
in seasons of self-examination and fasting. He 
would not infrequently spend many hours in par- 

48 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

tial, and sometimes in entire, abstinence from food. 
The impression should not be received, however, 
that he was in any sense an ascetic, or that his ex- 
periences were morbid or unnatural. On the con- 
trary, those who saw his beaming countenance, 
and heard the sweet tones of his voice, and ex- 
perienced his brotherly sympathy, could not but 
feel that he was a man who sincerely lived his re- 
ligion and thoroughly enjoyed it. But to him, 
somehow, fasting was a source of strength and 
comfort which he could not forego. It brought 
him into closer communion with his Saviour ; and 
in the absence of the Bridegroom he esteemed it a 
duty and privilege to fast. His own words will 
best explain these exercises, which, as the dates 
show, are taken at random, and include a con- 
siderable lapse of time : 

Sunday, January 2p, 1S54. — " .... Spent the 
twilight hour of the Sabbath evening, as is re- 
peatedly my custom, alone with God in His house 
of prayer, there to be the better prepared by fast- 
ing and prayer for the evening meetings." 

Sunday, February 11, 1855. — " .... Closing 
hours of day spent alone with God in His house, 
thus enjoying a much more enduring repast than 
I could possibly obtain for the body were I to re- 
turn home. ' Deny thyself, take up thy cross,' is 
the Redeemer's blest command. Upon such He 
confers His blessing." 
4 49 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Sunday, March g, 1856. — " .... Spent the 
twilight of evening, as is repeatedly my custom, 
alone with my Saviour in His holy sanctuary. 
Upon this occasion experienced a baptism of the 
Holy Spirit. The influences upon my heart in- 
describable." 

Sunday, January 2^, 18^8. — " .... From 
thence returned and spent the twilight hour with 
my Saviour in His house of prayer. Received 
great comfort and blessing of soul. My soul in 
sweet preparation for the evening prayer-meeting 
and services which followed." 

Monday, November ip, 1888. — " .... The 
entire day one of fasting and prayer, in which my 
soul drew near to the Lord, and was permitted to 
commit the interests of this place (his particular 
work at Christiansburg, Va. ) into His hands. 
Not my will, but Thine, O Lord, be done. Retired 
to rest with much comfort of mind, trusting in a 
faithful, covenant-keeping God." 

Tuesday, November 20, 1888. — " My fast yes- 
terday excluded both water and food. The Lord 
took away all desire for it. In its place my soul 
fed upon the Bread of Life, and I drank refresh- 
ingly of the water of salvation. This morning on 
breaking fast had no cravings of hunger. My 
heart full of divine blessing, which comes from 
humble reliance upon the Lord, self-denial, watch- 
fulness, and prayer. Proceeded to Seneca; felt 
as if the Lord kept me company in the way." 

so 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

An incident is mentioned in the " Diary" which 
thrilled the writer at the time of its occurrence and 
has never been forgotten since. It illustrates Mr. 
Schaeffer's readiness to avail himself of every op- 
portunity for united prayer, and indicates the spirit 
which characterized the young men with whom he 
consorted and who were largely influenced by his 
leadership. 

In the summer of 1858 Mr. Schaeffer and three 
companions were spending their vacation at Cape 
May, N. J. It was long before the days when the 
multitude crowded this now popular seaside resort. 
No stretch of " board walk" thronged by a gayly- 
dressed company, merely on " pleasure bent," 
marred the natural grandeur of the scene. One 
saw a broad expanse of beach, pounded into hard- 
ness by the unceasing surge, with here and there 
groups of saunterers, or only a solitary pedestrian ; 
beyond, the wide-reaching sea; above, the soft 
summer sky and the pulsating stars; pervading 
all, a sense of the august, the mysterious, the un- 
speakable, suggesting to the Christian the imma- 
nence of God ; and the moon, rising out of the sea, 
gilding the waters in an ever-widening pathway, 
which seemed like the path of the just, " that 
shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Our 
little company, lured by the scene, had wandered 
beyond the farthest traveller. We were alone 
with God. What more reasonable and fitting, for 
souls in communion with their Creator, than con- 
Si 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

verse with Him amid such surroundings? A sea- 
son of prayer was proposed, and on that lonely 
shore by the sounding sea we called upon our 
Maker. The incident is thus recorded : 

Thursday, July 8, 1858. — " Last evening at the 
hour of ' Youths' Meeting' we wended our way 
along the beach as far as the inlet, where we had a 
little meeting of prayer. Oh, how sweet, how ex- 
ceedingly precious, the place ! The noise of the 
mighty waters at our feet, the sand our cushion 
to kneel upon, and the broad heaven, with its star- 
dazzling brightness, the canopy over us ! Though 
sundered far from our brethren, by faith we met 
around one common mercy-seat. The season one 
never to be forgotten; our souls overawed by the 
wonderful presence of the Lord. Sang from a full 
heart the chorus, — 

" ' The Lord is here, the Lord is all around us ; 
Jesus Christ is my best friend.' 

" Returned to our rooms blessing and praising 
the Lord. Attended morning worship in one of 
the large rooms at the hotel — a most delightful 
season : Christians of all denominations praising 
the Saviour's name. In the evening met by faith 
with our brethren at the * Horse Market Mis- 
sion.' " 

As has been intimated, the spiritual experiences 
of this consecrated man were natural and health - 

52 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

fill. Coming in contact with him, one could not 
but feel that he was in habitual fellowship " with 
Jesus." A devout colored man, who had for many 
years enjoyed much of his society, remarked, after 
his death, that " he was more like our blessed Lord 
than any man he had ever known." Yet there was 
nothing in his speech and actions suggestive of the 
recluse. While in a sense he lived above most of 
his friends, he did not live apart from them. Nor 
did he lower the tone or temper of his spiritual 
state to suit his companionships ; but, on the con- 
trary, somehow those with whom he consorted 
were lifted by association with him into a nobler 
religious life. Always genial and companionable, 
and fond of athletic exercises and rational recrea- 
tion, there gathered about him a company of choice 
young men, who were devout Christians and earn- 
est workers in the church. 

Two or three summers immediately preceding 
the late Civil War, these young men organized 
themselves into a barge club for boating on the 
romantic and picturesque Schuylkill River. With 
numerous other organizations of a similar kind 
they had their boat-house on the river's bank, and 
soon became well known to the habitues of the 
stream for the swiftness of their boat and the 
sweetness of their singing. Some of these young- 
men long ago " crossed the river," some achieved 
distinction in the Civil War, some are still promi- 
nent in business and church circles, and all of 

S3 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

them, so far as the writer is aware, proved faith- 
ful to their trust as Christians. 

The following narrative, which is quoted sub- 
stantially as given, is from the pen of one of the 
survivors, who is still actively employed in the 
service of the Master : 

" Some time prior to the late Civil War a num- 
ber of brethren of the Tenth Baptist Church, 
Philadelphia, formed a boating club for exercise 
on the Schuylkill River, and among them was Mr. 
Schaeffer. For several seasons we heartily en- 
joyed our oar and boat, and became distinguished 
among the barges on the river for the excellence 
of our drill, the speed of our craft, and particu- 
larly for our trio of sweet singers ( Schaeffer, Mul- 
ford, and Shaw, all three of whom are now sing- 
ing the songs of the redeemed on high), whose 
beautiful rendering of hymns and songs added so 
much to the pleasure of our outings, and gave to 
our boat and crew the appellation of the ' floating 
chapel.' At the breaking out of the Rebellion, 
the enlistment of some of our crew, who joined the 
same regiment, with others, led to the disbanding 
of the club and the sale of the property. I refer to 
this club association in order to introduce the in- 
cident which follows, in which Mr. Schaeffer bore 
no inconsiderable part. 

" We moored, one summer evening after a ' pull 
up the river,' at the Falls of Schuylkill. Clad, 

54 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

as usual, in full uniform, on landing we marched 
up the hill from the river's brink, passing by the 
hotel bar without stopping for refreshments, and 
took seats on the veranda, where many others were 
gathered enjoying the evening breeze. After a 
few moments' rest, our trio joined in one of their 
beautiful hymns — those fine lines of Spafford, to 
the exquisite music of Bliss, then but lately writ- 
ten, I think : 

" ' When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 
When sorrows, like sea billows, roll ; 
Whatever my lot. Thou hast taught me to say, 
It is well, it is well with my soul. 

It is well with my soul. 
It is well, it is well with my soul.' * 

" At the conclusion of the hymn some applause 
followed; another selection was sung, and then 
* Home, Sweet Home.' 

" During the singing we noticed that a table was 
brought and placed in the centre of the veranda, 
on which were set decanters and other indications 
of refreshments of an intoxicating kind. 

" Presently a gentleman arose and said : ' My 
friends, these ladies and gentlemen are from the 
South, — we are all Southerners, — and wish to 
show you hospitality and thank you for your sweet 

* An unfortunate lapsus ntemorice. Some other selection 
was used on this occasion. The music referred to was not 
copyrighted until 1876. 

55 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

music, which you have repeated at our request. 
Please accept our compHments, and join us in par- 
taking of these refreshments.' Now, what could 
we do? Incivility to these ladies and gentlemen 
was out of the question. A moment of hesitation, 
while a quiet consultation was in progress. In an 
instant it was decided. * Be true to your colors' 
— ' Stand by your principles,' and say, ' Thanks, 
but we are opposed to the use of intoxicating 
drinks; we cannot partake; substitute, please, 
something instead thereof, and we shall be glad 
to accept your kindness.' Instantly, a loud clap- 
ping of the hands by the ladies followed our frank 
statement ; and one of them remarked : ' This is 
the first time I have ever found gentlemen refusing 
liquor. I am glad to know that you refuse.' 
During the applause which ensued the decanters 
were removed and lemonade and icewater were 
substituted, and after partaking of the same and 
engaging in more singing and pleasant conversa- 
tion, we adjourned to our boat." 



56 




BornNov16.1830*DieD HaY 5. 1899 



POUNDER OF 

THE Khorial Baptist Church 

CHRISTIANSBURC, V\. 
AND ITS PASTOR FOR TWENTY YEARS 

Our Leader. Teacher. Brother. Friend. 

in whom the christian virtues so blended 

that he inspired our confidence 

WON OUR AFFECTION. 

AND. BY INSTRUCTION AND EXAMPLE. 

ENNOBLED OUR LIVES. 

In RECOGNITinN OF HIS S.'MNTLY C.HAR.\CTER 

HIS SELF-DENYING LABORS 
HIS OITREACHING S^MRATin' WITH OUR R.ACE 
.AND HIS CKRISTLY L0\ E FOR ALL MANKIND ' 

THIS TABLET IS ERECTED 

BY A GRATEFUL PEOPLE : 




MURAL TABI.KT, MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHLRCH 



CHAPTER IV. 

In proportion as one is imbued with the Spirit 
of Christ, in exact proportion will his sympathy 
and service run in channels which appeal to the 
heart of the Master Himself. This principle finds 
its highest illustration, perhaps, in the experience 
of the Apostle Paul. His perishing kindred lay 
so great a burden on his heart that, had it been 
possible, like his Lord, he would have died for 
them. Those who have lived closest to Jesus, in 
all the ages since His day, have felt and been 
moved by this divine impulse. The subject of this 
memoir in no ordinary way attests this truth. 
Seeking for himself continually the " best gifts," 
enjoying almost uninterrupted communion with 
his Saviour, striving day by day to " know Him 
and the power of His resurrection," he also ex- 
perienced something of the " fellowship of His 
sufferings," being constantly deeply concerned for 
the unsaved around him. 

In his estimation an unregenerate person was a 
lost soul, whom Jesus came to " seek and to save." 
He therefore felt a profound sense of responsibility 
whenever the impenitent unbeliever was brought 
within the range of his influence. Standing in 
Christ's stead, he must beseech men to be recon- 
ciled to God. If he might win a soul for his Lord, 

57 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

it rendered labor a delight and transmuted service 
into joy. Nor did he wait for men to come to the 
gospel feast; he went out into the highways and 
hedges, that he might, were it possible, constrain 
them to partake. Whether it were in the inquiry- 
room or among the degraded in the city slums; 
whether with the scholars in the Sunday-school 
class or at the bedside of the sick and dying; 
whether in the poor home of his colored brother in 
the North or in the squalid cabin of his negro 
brother of the South; whether in the society of 
the refined and cultured, without a hope in Christ, 
or in personal endeavor to redeem the abandoned 
in their hopelessness, he yearned over and sought 
to save them all. By personal invitation, by let- 
ters, by persuasion in private, by warnings in pub- 
lic speech, by every rational and available method, 
he pressed upon the unconverted the " need of re- 
pentance towards God, and faith towards the Lord 
Jesus Christ." During a period of nearly fifty 
years this was the dominating motive of his life, 
and it may be safely said that scores upon scores 
of trophies of divine grace were won through his 
private ministrations, to say nothing of his public 
work as a minister of the gospel. Space will per- 
mit but a few excerpts to show this characteristic. 

Friday, October ip, 1855. — " In my closet de- 
votions felt to encompass the mercy-seat and to 

lay hold by faith on the promises Received 

58 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

an answer to a letter written to a friend on the 
subject of religion, with a request for an interest 
in prayer." 

Saturday, October 20, 18 j^. — " My soul op- 
pressed with the weight of the eternal interests of 
others. The Lord use me as an instrument in His 
hand for accomplishing good to perishing sinners." 

Tuesday, October 2j, 1855. — " Engaged my 
heart and pen in correspondence with friends on 
the subject of religion. Feel more and more op- 
pressed for the unconverted." 

Saturday, October 2y, 18 j^. — " An entire week 
of earnest prayer and holy effort, though put forth 
in great weakness. The results of my labors, as 
far as my selfish heart will permit, are left for the 
great day of the Lord to unfold. After I have 
done all, I am, nevertheless, an unprofitable ser- 
vant My anxiety increases in behalf of 

the perishing around me, and I believe in answer 
to prayer God has in a measure rolled upon me 
the burden of souls, inasmuch as I can feel in 
some degree the force of the expression of the 
Apostle Paul when he declared, ' I could wish that 
myself were accursed from Christ for my breth- 
ren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.' But what 
are my kindred more than others? Every man is 
my brother; every woman my sister; they each 
possess immortal souls of infinite value, and must 
either be saved by Christ or sink into hell forever. 
O my God, why should I remain with a contented 

59 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

mind and at ease when souls are perishing? Oh, 
cause Thy servant from this hour to labor faith- 
fully and earnestly, and not grow weary nor falter, 
until death shall terminate my earthly existence." 

Sunday, January lO, 1858. — " .... My soul 
crushed under the weight of responsibility. I 
tremble for myself, my brethren, and the uncon- 
verted. O Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! exclaimed the 
blessed Saviour, as He beheld her indifference to 
her true interests and wept over her desolation ! O 
Zion ! O Zion ! I feel to exclaim, when wilt thou 
shake off thy slothfulness and awake to duty? 
When thou dost travail in soul, then wilt thou 
bring forth children. When called upon to sing, I 
could not with my accustomed freedom. How 
shall I sing when Zion lies desolate and souls 
are in captivity? Could not keep my seat (in 
the prayer-meeting) without sounding the alarm. 
.... Went immediately on the close of the 
meeting to the house of a beloved brother to 
hold a season of prayer with one who had wan- 
dered from the Saviour, and, like Peter, had been 
made to weep bitterly on account of his departure 
from God." 

Thursday, March 25, 1858. — " In my closet to- 
day rolled my burden of soul in regard to the poor 
colored woman right at the foot of the cross, and 
felt to give over her case into my Saviour's hands. 
On meeting her at her humble abode this evening, 
was not disappointed at the greeting. ' Old things 

60 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

had passed away; behold, all things had become 
new.' Her soul joyful in her Saviour. * A new 
song in her mouth, even praise unto the Lord.' 
Found her aged mother in trouble of soul ; poured 
out our heart before God in her behalf. A num- 
ber of the neighbors came in. We had a little 
prayer-meeting with them, and experienced the in- 
fluence and power of the Holy Spirit in the midst. 
I feel that we have been specially sent of God to 
this place. The meeting at the church just closed 
on our return; the occasion one of power in 
prayer. From thence, in company with a dear 
brother, visited a Sabbath-school boy just entering 
the valley of the shadow of death. Spoke words 
of comfort to him, and found him clinging to 
Christ as his only refuge. He had given up all 
into His hands. We had a solemn season of 
prayer in that chamber of death." 

Sunday, June 5, i8^p. — " Arose early. Di- 
rected my steps to the morning meeting among 
my colored friends. Another soul found Jesus 
precious, — a young colored girl, for whom we 
have been in prayer for several months. God has 
eventually answered prayer and given converting 
grace Also received news of the conver- 
sion of a dear young man whose case has been an 
oppressive one upon my heart. God has answered, 
blessed be His name ! Had a few moments in the 
Teachers' Meeting — found it a sweet preparation 
for the duties which followed in the class. At 

61 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the close of the school, in company with Brother 

N , visited a young man in the last stage of 

consumption who had formerly been connected 
with the Sabbath-school. His soul without hope, 
and, sadder still, he appears careless and indif- 
ferent about it. O my God, wake up his drowsy 
powers, ere he sleep the sleep of death ! My soul 
in trouble for him. We endeavored to urge upon 
him the importance of making preparation to meet 
God. In the afternoon the Lord helped me in 
speaking to the Sabbath-school children about the 
importance of a new heart and early consecration 
to the Saviour. At the close of Sabbath-school, in 
company with two brethren, visited another young 
man similarly afflicted to the one visited in the 
morning. The season was one that will not soon 
be forgotten. His heart's exercises were freely 
opened to us and, we believe, to God. His peculiar 
feeling of last evening was that of the sixth 
psalm. Throughout the night his bed was made 
to swim by reason of the overflow of his tears. 
How humbly he craved pardon, and a saving trust 
in the blessed Saviour. My own soul in travail 
for him, and I cannot doubt but that in Christ he 
has found a friend. I felt loath to leave him, but 
found it necessary, so as to be present at the Com- 
munion. Arrived after the opening exercises, and 
felt during the hour to get low at the foot of the 
cross. My soul melted within me. At the close, 
Young Men's Experience Meeting. Spoke out of 

62 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the fulness of my recent experience, and begged 
my brethren to make intercession at the mercy-seat 
in behalf of those young men. From thence 
visited a brother of the church sick with consump- 
tion ; spent some precious moments at his bedside. 
Also had a season of prayer with my brother-in- 
law, and joined with him in blessing the Lord for 
the experience of pardon to his soul and sweet 
peace in believing, which he realized to-day. 
Surely, Lord, ' my cup runneth over.' This is 
more than my heart can contain. I fall at Thy feet 
and ascribe all praise to Thee. Was present at 
the evening meeting, although greatly fatigued in 
body. Returned home with my heart burdened 
with the work of the Lord. In looking over my 
experience as recorded in the past, I find that I 
have failed entirely in portraying that through 
which I have passed." 

Monday, June 6, i8^p. — " Received tidings to- 
day that the young man visited yesterday after- 
noon, and at that time able to be about the house, 
had during the night exchanged time for eternity. 
.... What precious satisfaction his remem- 
brance in death of our little meeting with him, 
stating, as he did to his friends, that it had been 
a blessing to him, and telling his sister on her re- 
turn from a meeting how he had felt during those 
solemn moments. * Oh,' said he, ' I wish you could 
have been present, that you too might have been 
blessed.' " 

63 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

These citations might be almost indefinitely 
multiplied, but enough have been adduced to indi- 
cate the spirit which actuated the man, and to 
illustrate how marked is God's power in the use 
of the instrument who humbly trusts His prom- 
ises and spares not himself in the service of the 
Lord. 

Mr. Schaeffer was profoundly interested in the 
young, particularly in that hitherto neglected class 
of young men who, coming from the quiet and se- 
clusion of the country to engage in business, are 
especially liable, released from the restraints of 
home, amid the perils and allurements of a great 
city, to fall into temptation and sin. Himself 
living in a boarding-house, and separated from the 
ties and helpful influences of family life, he felt 
to enter into sympathy with them in their loneli- 
ness, and hailed with satisfaction any movement 
which had in view their temporal and spiritual im- 
provement. The Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion, about this time organizing all over the 
United States, appealed to his judgment as a 
most important auxiliary to the Church of Christ. 
Its various departments, social, recreative, educa- 
tional, spiritual, seemed to him well adapted to 
bring under the ascendency of religion a large 
class whom it would otherwise be difficult to reach. 
Hence we find him, on June 9, 1854, becoming 
a constituent member of this organization in Phila- 
delphia. He attended its meetings and, as far as 

64 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

other duties would permit, entered upon its work 
with enthusiasm. 

The winter and spring of 1857 and 1858 were 
remarkable for the great wave of revival influence 
which spread like a veritable river of life all over 
the United States. The dreadful financial panic 
of 1857, with its accompanying poverty and dis- 
tress, had its compensations in an outpouring of 
the Holy Spirit, more blessed, perhaps, in its re- 
sults, alike to the churches and the unconverted, 
than any which had preceded it. The great com- 
mercial centres, the large cities and towns in the in- 
terior, and even the villages and hamlets, from 
Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Atlan- 
tic to the Pacific Oceans, were humbled under the 
mighty hand of God, and brought to their knees in 
sincere repentance. In New York, Philadelphia, 
and elsewhere multitudes of business men, leaving 
office, factory, and store, gathered on week-days at 
the noon hour for confession, praise, and prayer. 
The churches soon caught the divine impulse; 
Christians rededicated themselves to God; back- 
sliders were restored to the fellowship of the 
churches ; and conversions were numbered by thou- 
sands. The churches of Philadelphia felt the full 
force of this spiritual tide, and among the foremost 
to engage in the work of evangelism was the Tenth 
Baptist Church. Mr. Schaeffer entered upon it 
with his accustomed zeal and enthusiasm, attend- 
ing the Noon-Day Prayer-Meetings and the almost 
5 65 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

continuous services in his own church. He re- 
joiced in the numerous conversions and additions 
to the membership. Many of these were young* 
men in whom he became especially interested. At 
the beginning of his Christian career he had 
adopted the practice of contributing, as the Lord 
prospered him, regularly and systematically to His 
cause. He was encouraged in the hope that his 
young brethren might be induced to unite with 
him in this custom, which he had found to be not 
only practicable, but spiritually profitable. Grad- 
ually the subject assumed larger proportions in his 
mind. Beneficence was but one phase of the work. 
Why not organize an association for Christian 
effort along all lines? Why not take this body of 
young men, many of whom were intelligent and 
capable, and form them into committees, who, un- 
der efficient chairmen, would not only receive ad- 
vantageous religious training, but accomplish 
much good? After consultation with the pastor, 
a society known as the Young Men's Christian 
Association of the Tenth Baptist Church was or- 
ganized, with its several committees on benefi- 
cence, visitation, prayer-meetings, missions, etc. 
Under God this society became a vital spiritual 
force in the church life, trained a large body of 
efficient workers, and under the leadership of Mr. 
Schaeffer its " Mission Committee" did a work of 
which we shall have occasion to speak hereafter. 
Extracts from the " Diary" are continued : 

66 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Monday, March 8, 1858. — " This morning at- 
tended the early morning meeting. Pastor pres- 
ent, with some eight brethren and sisters. En- 
joyed the hour of prayer; with one heart besieged 
the throne of grace. At noon-day attended the 
Union Meeting at Jayne's HalL Had a precious 
season together. My heart uphfted to God for 
His blessing. Come, Lord Jesus ! Wake every 
Christian heart to pray — every disciple to holy 
diligence. Arouse Thy people to righteousness, 
and cause Thy name to be glorified throughout 
this wicked city, throughout the country, and 
throughout the world." 

Tuesday, March g, 1858. — " Was again present 
at the Noon-Day Prayer-Meeting. Has changed 
to a larger room in the building. Have a desire 
to encourage it all I can. The interest increases." 

Thursday, March 11, 1858. — " But very few 
present at the early meeting for prayer this morn- 
ing, it being difficult to reach the place, the streets 
and pavements being covered with ice. Met the 
blessed Saviour, and had sweet communion with 
Him. At noon-day was again present at the 
Business Men's Prayer-Meeting. The great hall 
with its galleries crowded in every part ; estimated 
to have been five thousand present. Oh, wonder- 
ful the power of God upon the hearts of men !" 

Friday, March 26, 1858. — " In the early morn- 
ing meeting felt to praise the Lord with my whole 
heart for the sweet experience and blessing of the 

67 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

past day. At noon attended the meeting at Jayne's 
Hall. Found it good to my soul, and feel to bless 
God for what He has done in that place." 

Monday, May j, 18^8. — " Have special seasons 
of nearness to God in prayer; seeking grace and 
strength to do my Heavenly Father's will, and in- 
quiring how I may glorify Him best. Feel a de- 
sire of soul to have my brethren more closely 
united in a union to carry forward the work of the 
Lord — the thought being the carrying out of sys- 
tematic beneficence in the operations of the church. 
Have proved it to be practicable throughout the 
entire years of my personal experience in relation 
to my contributions for the cause of my blessed 
Master. My prayer is for direction and the coun- 
selling of the Lord." 

Friday, June 4, 1858. — " Spent the evening 
with my pastor in consultation in reference to what 
has been on my mind and made the subject of 
prayer, — a union of effort for the cause of Christ. 
At first it was simply suggested to my mind to 
organize a Systematic Beneficence Society in the 
church, and through this channel to be the means 
of effecting more good; but since my heart has 
become so deeply interested in direct personal ef- 
forts for the salvation of the perishing, and of 
upholding a precious Saviour to the people who 
through peculiar circumstances have not the gos- 
pel preached to them, I realize that an organization 
combining the two objects so intimately connected 

68 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

would effect great results and meet with special 
favor from my blessed Lord. My pastor fully 
concurs in the movement, and gave me encourage- 
ment to put the ship afloat. Returned home to 
pray for guidance." 

Saturday, June ip, 1858. — " Another meeting 
this evening in reference to the new organization. 
Constitution and by-laws presented by the com- 
mittee and adopted by the meeting. The organi- 
zation to be styled the * Young Men's Christian 
Association of the Tenth Baptist Church.' Feel 
to bless God for the encouragement His unworthy 
servant has received in this new project for the 
furtherance of the Redeemer's kingdom. Re- 
turned home to pray anew for success." 

We have seen with what earnestness of desire 
Mr. Schaeffer sought to grow in grace and ad- 
vance in personal holiness, and also how he 
yearned for the salvation of sinners; but in 
nothing did he more clearly reveal the true mis- 
sionary spirit — the spirit which brought the Lord 
of glory from the skies — than in his work among 
the poor. While he refused no open door of use- 
fulness, in approaching those in the better walks 
of life he was hindered by a natural timidity, 
which interfered somewhat with the spontaneous 
gentleness and courtesy which characterized his 
intercourse with the less favored of his fellows; 
but brought into touch with these lowly ones, his 

69 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

heart went out to them in pity and love — in a 
practical sympathy, which had regard alike to 
physical and spiritual needs. He tried to imitate 
the example of his Lord, and '' went about doing- 
good." He did not wait for them to come to him ; 
he went to them. Into the most neglected streets 
and alleys, into the most degraded and squalid 
homes, where poverty, intemperance, and crime 
held sway, he rejoiced to take the gospel. Bed- 
ford Street, St. Mary's Street, the Horse Market, 
the Hay Market, at that time the synonyms of 
squalor and degeneracy, were the scenes of this 
self-sacrificing efforts. In this connection the 
" Diary" notes many instances in which souls were 
made happy in Jesus and houses were filled with 
sweetness and light ; but we must wait the revela- 
tions of the last day for the sum total of it all. 

There is, however, a phase of this personal mis- 
sionary service which merits special mention, not 
only because of its intrinsic importance, but also 
for its educational and experimental value to Mr, 
Schaeffer himself. By what would seem a particu- 
lar providence, in view of his successful mission to 
the negroes of the South, he became, soon after 
his conversion, interested in religious work among 
the colored people at Philadelphia. Possessing a 
manner at once dignified and gracious which evi- 
denced his purpose to serve them with absolute 
disinterestedness ; an emotional temper which en- 
tered into full sympathy with the ebb and flow of 

70 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

their religious feelings; a voice whose sympa- 
thetic quality touched their hearts in the leader- 
ship of song; and, above all, a soul aglow with 
the love of Christ, and a zeal quickened and made 
bold by the Holy Spirit, we need not be surprised 
at his influence over the people or the measure of 
his success. 

Sunday, November y, 1852. — " .... From 
thence attended the meeting among my colored 
friends. I bless the Lord for directing me to this 
humble place. Surely it was ' none other than the 
house of God, and the gate of heaven' to my soul." 

Sunday, November 21, 18^2. — " .... In the 
afternoon another precious gathering at our col- 
ored sister's." 

Sunday, May 2, 18^8. — " A blessed day of rest 
to my soul. Sabbath-school duties pleasant. The 
closet of prayer revealed the gate of heaven. At- 
tended morning service with my colored brethren. 
After the sermon our sister, so recently converted 
through our humble labors, with a number of 
other converts, was buried with Christ in bap- 
tism." 

Thursday, May 6, 1858. — " Held a meeting at 
our colored sister's ; the neighbors invited in ; felt 
the burden of souls upon us. The Lord poured 
upon us the grace of fervent supplication. The 
meeting one of solemn influence." 

Sunday, May ij, 1858. — " .... Afternoon, 
71 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

at the close of meeting, visited the colored people 
at the Hay Market. In years gone by have en- 
joyed precious seasons in visiting these humble 
servants of the Lord Jesus ; had a blessed meeting 
with them to-day." 

Thursday, May 20, 1858. — " Meeting with the 
colored sister at Francisville; neighbors and 
friends anxious to be present. A most powerful 
meeting ; another soul converted : a colored 
woman feels ready to take up the cross and put on 
Christ by a public profession. The blessing ex- 
perienced by my own soul unspeakable." 

Saturday, May 22, 18^8. — " Sweet moments in 
my closet. A wrestling of soul for a more earnest 
piety. The more I labor in my Master's service, 
the more precious it is. Feel it so good to stand 
up among those poor people at Francisville to 
recommend to them my blessed Saviour. O 
Lord, open the way for further and greater useful- 
ness." 

Thursday, May 2y, 1858. — " Meeting again at 
my colored sister's. A gracious outpouring of the 
Holy Spirit; immediate answers to prayer. The 
aged mother, for whom we have unceasingly 
prayed, found Jesus precious. O my soul ! bless 
and praise the Lord. Other cases of distress of 
soul on account of sin. Lord, carry forward Thy 
work, and enable Thy young servants to prove 
faithful to the trust Thou hast committed to them, 
to labor for these poor wretched ones, for whom 

72 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

no one seemed to care. My whole heart enlisted 
in humble efforts to present my precious Jesus to 
these neglected children of sin." 

Tuesday, October 5, 1858. — " At noon held a 
little prayer-meeting at the Horse Market Mission 
with the aged ones of the place. Also visited the 
Fairmount Station; obliged to remove our meet- 
ings to another place. In the evening, met for 
the last time in the old place and had a most power- 
ful meeting. In conducting the exercises, found 
my blessed Saviour at my side and His Holy Spirit 
filling my heart. The occasion I doubt not blest 
to all present. On returning called at the house 
of our aged colored sister, not, however, to con- 
verse and pray with her, but to witness her lifeless 
corpse. During the evening, about half-past eight, 
she passed through the ' swellings of Jordan,' 
leaning on the arm of her beloved. Had a season 
of prayer with the bereaved daughter. Returned 
home with peculiarly solemn feelings." 

Tuesday, October y, 1858. — " Buried our aged 
sister to-day, most of the young brethren being 
present. Four of us attended the funeral and car- 
ried the body to its last resting-place. In the even- 
ing attended the meeting at Mrs. Bitting's. The 
work in this place progressing. Endeavored to 
persuade sinners to come to Christ." 

Sunday, October jo, 1858. — " Visited an af- 
flicted colored family bereft of a dear child, — one 
that we endeavored to direct to the Saviour a short 

72, 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

time since. Her soul had found peace in believing 
before she slept in death. The case connected with 
our Francisville Mission labors. Had a season of 
prayer with the father and mother, who were once 
members of a Christian church, having backslidden 
from the Saviour. They expressed a desire to re- 
turn again to the ' Shepherd and Bishop of souls,' 
and entreated us to pray for them." 

Sunday, October ji, 18^8. — " Morning meeting 
at the Horse Market; afterwards the Teachers' 
Prayer-Meeting and the usual session of the Sab- 
bath-school, follov\^ed by preaching service. At 
the close of the school in the afternoon visited the 
house of mourning, also the little colored girl — 
tendered our assistance to the family. From 
thence to the mission meeting at Francisville. The 
place continues crowded, and the interest undi- 
minishing. Returned to the evening prayer-meet- 
ing and preaching service. An after meeting of 
much interest." 

Sunday, May i, i8^p. — " A blessed day of rest 
— my anniversary. Nine years since I was buried 

with Christ in baptism One year since our 

first convert of the Francisville Mission was bap- 
tized; to-day we number some forty-one subjects 
of God's grace. I note a brief extract from my 
report to our Young Men's Christian Association 
in reference to this mission : ' Seven to ten back- 
sliders have been reclaimed ; some fifty have testi- 
fied to having been revived in religion; ninety to 

74 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

one hundred requests for prayer have been made; 
there are ten awakenings at the present time. Hun- 
dreds have been brought under the influence of re- 
hgion who did not previously attend the house of 
God. The mission has been of incalculable benefit 
to the brethren and sisters of the church, who have 
labored to advance the cause of Christ in that 
vicinity. The moral influence of the mission upon 
the neighborhood has been seen and felt by those 
who did not profess godliness. The drunkard has 
been reclaimed; the swearer brought to his right 
mind; houses which have been the scene of tu- 
mult now resound in praise of the Redeemer. 
During the year one hundred and fifty-six stated 
meetings for prayer and about the same number 
of occasional meetings have been held. Two have 
died in the faith. In reference to the forty-one 
converts, ten have become Baptists, all but one 
connecting themselves with the First African 
Church, she being called to the church on high. 
Four have united with the colored Presbyterian 
Church. The remainder, white converts, have be- 
come Baptists. In view of it all, we fall at the 
Saviour's feet, and exclaim with adoring gratitude, 
' Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy name be 
all the glory.' Amen." 



75 



CHAPTER V. 

While thus aflame with enthusiasm and 
" abounding- in the work of the Lord," Mr, 
Schaeffer's mind was not at rest. He had not long- 
been a Christian when he became profoundly ex- 
ercised concerning his duty as to the gospel minis- 
try. He humbly and patiently sought the guidance 
of the Holy Spirit, at times with " strong crying 
and tears," yet his way seemed hedged about with 
difficulties, which to him appeared insurmountable. 
He counselled with his pastor and other judicious 
friends, all of whom were clear in their conviction 
of his duty. So evident to his pastor was his call 
to the ministry, that he predicted failure in his 
business career if he refused obedience, which pre- 
diction, as we have seen, was ultimately fulfilled. 
This subject continued to agitate his mind most 
painfully for several years, and was only settled at 
last by evidences of the leadings of Providence so 
unmistakable that to have disregarded them would 
have been an act of flagrant rebellion against God. 

The difficulties confronting him in the decision 
of this question were very great, and, to one of 
his introspective habit of mind, not unnatural. 
The office itself assumed in his view a dignity and 
glory which in the mere contemplation of it awed 
him. He had conceived so exalted an ideal of the 

76 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

overwhelming importance and solemnity of the 
duties of the Christian minister in his relation to 
men as God's ambassador that he hesitated to take 
upon himself responsibilities so appalling. More- 
over, he was further restrained by what he es- 
teemed a lack of natural endowment and special 
training, and also by a shrinking diffidence and 
self-consciousness, which embarrassed him in the 
presence of a large audience. At the same time he 
was engaged in business concerns, to escape which 
was neither convenient nor easy of accomplish- 
ment. Thus hindered, he held himself, as to- 
wards the Lord and duty, in an attitude of expec- 
tancy, having learned " to labor and to wait." 

It is not singular, therefore, that during the 
progress of these experiences there was evermore 
uppermost in Mr. Schaefifer's mind an earnest de- 
sire to preach the gospel, and an ever-present con- 
viction that, though not now, the Lord had a spe- 
cial service for him to perform which He would, 
in His own time and way, make plain. We have 
recourse once more to the " Diary :" 

Monday, February j, i8^i. — " Have been op- 
pressed with the thought, ' Lord, what wilt Thou 
have me to do ?' I feel that I have given up every- 
thing to His disposal, that I desire not to withhold 
even the least service I can render; and yet my 
way appears to my own mind without an opening, 
without light, particularly in regard to preaching 

77 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the gospel. In honesty of heart I can say, ' The 
spirit indeed is wihing, but the flesh is weak.' I 
cannot see that I am quaHfied for so great and re- 
sponsible a position. My capacity of intellect does 
not appear sufficient for so great an undertaking; 
and yet could I feel that the Lord calls me to it, 
and see His hand distinctly pointing in the way, 
with joyful steps my feet would tread the path 
marked out. My whole soul is engrossed in this 
solemn question. I look to the Lord for guidance, 
and will trust Him for direction." 

Sunday, February 2j, 1851. — " .... In the 
afternoon felt the want of my regular Sabbath - 
afternoon engagements — feel at loss when not en- 
gaged in working for my Master, Jesus. This fact 
brings with overpowering weight my former ex- 
ercises in reference to preaching the gospel. In 
regard to this world and its delights, I can truly 
say they are not in my affections. The cross of 
Christ and the doctrines of the cross are all-ab- 
sorbing, and to do my Lord's will is my highest 
and greatest desire. Yet how to perform it I know 
not; and although it has been my constant prayer 
for direction, yet to this hour my way appears 
dark and hedged up, as it were, without divine en- 
lightenment. O Lord, as thou didst relieve my 
soul of its burden of sin, when in wretchedness 
and anguish of spirit I came to the mercy-seat, so 
now lift upon me the light of Thy countenance. 
Take me, O blessed Jesus ! may the struggle in my 

78 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

soul terminate in my being found in the path of 
duty, an humble, obedient servant of Thine." 

Monday, February 24., 1851. — " My mind deeply 
exercised throughout the day. It is not that I can- 
not give up this world's occupations — the hope of 
the riches and comforts accruing therefrom — for 
the humble walk of a minister of the gospel. It 
is not from want of a cherished desire to be thus 
engaged. Methinks I would be the happiest man 
on earth to tread, in this direction, in the foot- 
steps of my Saviour. But the lack of the necessary 
qualifications for so responsible a position has 
brought me to a stand, and I find myself incapable 
of making the decision whether to continue in my 
present vocation, or at once to attempt, at least, 
preparation for the ministry." 

Thursday, March 24, 18 ji. — " In the way that 
I may honor Jesus most is the path that I desire 
to tread. Oh, to be led by the Spirit !" 

Friday, April 25, 1851. — " Brother M 's 

second effort in view of the ministry. My own 
soul deeply wrought upon in regard to duty. O 
Lord, decide the doubtful case." 

Thursday, January 6, 185^- — " Visited the sick, 

after which attended meeting at Brother T 's. 

The Lord very near our hearts. My mind still in 
trouble and doubt, humbly desiring to do duty 
whenever it shall be made plain. May the pur- 
poses of the Lord be fulfilled concerning me." 

Friday, January y, 18 jj. — " Visited another 
79 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

sick family this evening. The interview blessed 
to my spiritual profit. After which attended con- 
ference and prayer-meeting. Felt much oppressed 
in soul ; desire to do my whole duty, yet know not 
whether I am treading in that path. My mind con- 
tinually burdened in reference to this matter. It 
is with me night and day." 

Saturday, January 8, i8^^. — " I sink in deep 
waters ; my cry is unto the Lord ; send help from 
Thy holy hill. I have endeavored to analyze my 
motives for desiring the work of the ministry. 
Find them the same for which I desire the con- 
tinuance of my life — the glory of God. But I can- 
not decide what duty is. Have set apart Thurs- 
day next as a day of fasting, humiliation, and 
prayer in reference to this matter." 

Thursday, January ij, iS^S- — " Disengaged 
myself entirely from my worldly employment in 
order to spend the day in endeavoring to decide 
the question which has so long been weighing upon 
my mind, feeling that in the fear of the Lord I 
must come to some conclusion. Endeavored to 
contrast my case with that of Moses and Jeremiah, 
who, when called upon to take the responsible posi- 
tions they afterwards occupied, pleaded their in- 
capacity for the work, excusing themselves on ac- 
count of being ' slow of tongue' and ' slow of 
speech.' Also, the cases of Gideon and others 
were presented as subjects of thought, that from 
them I might peradventure receive some light in 

80 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the path of duty. But after weighing the subject 
in all its aspects, with much prayer for divine 
direction and counsel, I concluded in a moment of 
sober thought that, notwithstanding all the en- 
couragement given for my entering upon the work 
of the ministry, and its great desirableness to my 
own feeling and wishes, that it was not for me, 
and I must henceforth relinquish the thought of 
ever engaging in its sacred duties, and endeavor 
to the best of my ability to glorify my Master in 
my present vocation. Concluding the doubtful 
case to be decided, my mind became easier, yet 
not satisfied. It was not, however, of long con- 
tinuance. Like the breathless calm before the 
raging tempest, so my experience on this occasion. 
Soon I felt the withdrawment of the Spirit's in- 
fluence upon my heart; and I was led, almost in 
a state of despair, to mourn the absence of my 
precious Lord. While under this crushing state 
of mind, I opened the inspired volume, and to my 
astonished gaze were presented these words, ' Re- 
pv°nt therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray 
God if the thought of thine heart may be forgiven 
thee.' With a crushed spirit I fell at the feet of 
my Sovereign Lord and sought forgiveness if I 
had done wrong in not leaving the decision with 
Him. Henceforth I desire that it might be an 
open question, for Him only to direct therein." 

Five years have elapsed since the foregoing ex- 
6 8i 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

cerpt was written, during which time repeated al- 
Kisions are made in the " Diary" touching this 
subject, which up to this time Mr. Schaeffer had 
found it impossible to decide. After describing 
a season of ecstasy in prayer, in which there were 
" indescribable manifestations of love and favor" 
and " outward objects were entirely lost to view," 
and in which " he felt as if he were in another 
world," he thus records the remarkable decision 
to which he finally came : 

Tuesday, January 5, 1858. — " .... During 
this season a momentous question was settled, one 
which has oppressed me and weighed down my 
heart almost ever since my conversion — in refer- 
ence to my preaching the gospel, I remember at 
one time this matter pressing so heavily upon me 
that I was led to pray for a removal of the anxiety 
of soul, even without a satisfying settlement of it. 
The Lord took me at my word, the rough ocean of 
my disquiet was calmed, and before I was aware 
the Holy Spirit's influence was taken from me. 
But with strong crying and bitter tears, I cast my 
soul at His feet. In His great loving-kindness He 
returned to comfort and bless, and with it gave 
me to feel that I was in His hands to do with me 

as pleased Him best In my season of 

prayer, as I drew near by faith to the mercy-seat, 
my position was fully and clearly presented to my 
view, and the path of duty to my own mind for the 

82 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

future made plain. In regard to the years of 
anxiety on this subject, I can reaHze that it has all 
been right; that it has been a course of discipline 
and preparation for a very important sphere of 
usefulness, and with the help of the Lord I shall 
discharge my duty in regard to it. In reference to 
the matter itself, I feel that * woe is me if I preach 
not the gospel;' and, although I cannot realize 
my position to be that of a public messenger of the 
truth, and as ' one sent' to be a proclaimer of the 
gospel, yet with all the powers which in me lie I 
am to use every faculty of soul and body for the 
glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom, 
and very particularly in ' visiting the fatherless 
and widow in their affliction.' I am to preach the 
gospel among the poor, distressed, comfortless, 
and forsaken; in the hovels of poverty, disease, 
and death ; in meetings for prayer among the des- 
titute; in efforts for the salvation of those who 
through their humble position in life have not the 
gospel preached unto them. I am to use my ef- 
forts for the furtherance of the gospel, though in 
the humblest capacity. I am to discharge my duty 
in business as the Lord may give me ability, sub- 
mitting to His control and the monitions and di- 
rections of the Holy Spirit. I am to serve the 
Church of Christ with all faithfulness, and use 
every energy for her advancement; to have the 
cause of my Master nearest my heart, and, in a 
word, henceforth to live ' not unto myself, but unto 

83 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Him which died for me and rose again.' And may 
the Lord, in whose hands my breath is, accept the 
offering I this day make — that of a broken and 
contrite heart — and sanctify and purify me unto 
Himself. And unto Thy great and adorable name 
shall be the praise forever. Amen !" 



84 



CHAPTER VL 

Mr. Schaeffer's unfortunate business experi- 
ence left him without present or prospective em- 
ployment, and in doubt as to what the develop- 
ments of Providence might be concerning his 
future. But with characteristic promptness he 
sought occupation, and two days after the com- 
position with his creditors he writes : " I feel to 
bless God for a home among dear kindred. I have 
determined to give my labors for my beloved 
church, in correcting the Register of Member- 
ship." 

Having complete command of his time, he now 
entered upon the service of the Lord and of the 
church with even greater energy, if possible, than 
before; although at first, he confesses, with a 
tinge of sadness, " with my vigor of spirit some- 
what crushed, and feeling it [his business failure]' 
more than when passing through my extremity." 

His home was now with his father in German- 
town. Controlled by conscientious scruples con- 
cerning the use of a public conveyance on the 
Lord's Day, it was his custom to walk to and from 
his home to church and mission work in the city, 
a distance of more than five miles each way. The 
amount of religious service he was enabled to per- 
form appears almost incredible; yet he seemed 

8s 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

never to be satisfied, and nothing could quench his 
zeal. In the absence of any special leadings of 
Providence, he continued thus employed for 
several months, until the first indistinct mutter- 
ings of the coming storm of civil war began to be 
heard with foreboding throughout the land. His 
sympathy with the poor and distressed, and his 
particular interest in the colored race, caused him 
to regard human slavery with abhorrence, and the 
avowed purpose of the leading men of the South 
to destroy our political institutions fired his pa- 
triotism. He witnessed, on that memorable morn- 
ing in February, 1861, the raising of the national 
flag over Independence Hall by Abraham Lincoln, 
President-elect, as he passed through Philadelphia 
on his way to the inauguration at Washington. It 
was to him, as it was to thousands, " A most glori- 
ous sight. I felt it to nerve my whole soul to 
prayer for my country." He observed too with 
keen interest the rapid march of events, and was 
caught in the swelling tide of popular excitement 
and patriotic fervor. Concerning the " first blow" 
struck, which precipitated the conflict and sealed 
the doom of slavery, he thus writes : 

Thursday, April 18, 1861. — " The excitement 
in reference to our beloved country seems to arouse 
every nerve and faculty of body and mind. The 
crisis has at length come. The first blow struck in 
firing on Fort Sumter." 

86 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

That " first blow" at once, as if by some hellish 
magic, called into existence two great armies, filled 
our peaceful land with bristling muskets and 
death-dealing cannon, transfigured loving brethren 
into deadly foes, and drenched the fair hills and 
valleys of our country in blood. And what com- 
monly occurs, when great moral questions lay grip 
on heart and conscience, the Civil War brought 
into the conflict the best and noblest of both sec- 
tions. From North and South alike, men of 
honor, morality, and religion, following what they 
regarded the dictate of duty, sprang to arms and 
rushed into the awful arbitrament of battle, will- 
ing to do and, if need be, to die for " cause" and 
" country." 

With the increasing excitement and the inevita- 
ble approach of war came the necessity for action. 
Pent-up feelings found relief in private devotions 
and in special services of fasting and prayer for 
the country, and also in religious meetings in 
camps and armories, where the soldiers were mus- 
tering, perfecting their organization, or awaiting 
orders for transference to the front. In these re- 
ligious exercises among the troops Mr. Schaeffer's 
gift of song and his aptitude for spiritual work 
found a congenial field, and were especially help- 
ful and greatly appreciated. Towards the latter 
part of April, 1861, he organized a company of 
young men of the church for drill in military tac- 
tics, "to be ready for an emergency, should we be 

87 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

called upon to battle for our country and the 
right." One month later he is profoundly stirred 
as to his personal duty in the crisis, and writes : 
" My prayer is for direction in every step I take. 
As my future appears to be entirely hedged up and 
obscured from view, I therefore more than ever 
feel the need of divine guidance. My mind is 
particularly exercised as to the course I should 
pursue with reference to preparing for active ser- 
vice for my country." . . . . " Enrolled myself 
among the ' Gray Reserves.' " This regiment 
composed of the flower of the young men of Phila- 
delphia, was organized for home defence, but sent 
from its ranks to the front as the war progressed 
many brave and efficient soldiers. 

On the 24th of June, 1861, he was " sworn in," 
and thereafter regularly engaged in company and 
regimental drills, meanwhile attending to church 
and missionary work as heretofore. Continually 
seeking light as to duty, as time went on, the con- 
clusion was at length reached that the imperative 
call lay in the direction of the defence of the coun- 
try. In the following September an appointment 
was offered him as sergeant in the First Delaware 
Regiment, then forming. This appointment, after 
much prayer and reflection, he decided to accept, 
" the hand of Providence seeming to lead to the 
choice," The parting was a bitter one from home 
and church and beloved Christian work, " yet I 
feel," he says, " called upon to make the sacrifice." 

88 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Saturday, September 28, 1861, the "Diary" 
records : " Early this morning I was mustered into 
the service of the United States for three years or 
the war. Previously I earnestly prayed that such a 
step might be prevented if it did not accord en- 
tirely with the will of my Heavenly Father, to 
whom I have been earnestly looking for direction. 
But having been thus led, I now commit my entire 
interest for time and eternity renewedly into His 
hands, and sincerely pray for grace, strength, and 
assistance in every duty and in all my temptations, 
trials, and afflictions, and that in this new sphere 
of labor I may be abundantly useful in doing good, 
honoring my Master, and glorifying God. And 
while my dear country is next upon my heart, and 
for which, if it be the Lord's will, I freely give my 
life, yet Christ must be first and above all else, for 
I am redeemed by His precious blood. He who 
can make all grace abound, may He seal me anew 
unto Himself." 

On the 2 1 St of October, 1861, the regiment td 
which he was attached arrived at its destination 
and pitched tents at Camp Hamilton, about half 
a mile outside Fort Monroe, Mr. Schaeffer mean- 
while having been appointed regimental commis- 
sary sergeant. He served during the winter of 
1861-62 with great satisfaction to his superior offi- 
cers, in the intervals of duty employing his leisure 
time with much assiduity in studying the " School 
of the Soldier" and military tactics, in which he 

89 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

became so proficient before the movement of the 
army in the spring that, on a vacancy occurring, 
he was appointed by the Colonel sergeant-major. 

At Camp Hamilton that winter he was an in- 
tensely interested witness of the attack on and de- 
struction of the Congress and Cumberland by the 
Confederate iron-clad Merrimac, and her subse- 
quent fight with and defeat by the Monitor. He 
took part in the battle of Norfolk on the loth of 
May, 1862, when the city was formally surren- 
dered, and by permission, in company with the Ad- 
jutant of his regiment, " paid a visit to the city in 
the evening, passing through the principal streets 
and returning without molestation." 

In the position of sergeant-major of his regi- 
ment, which was for some three months Provost 
Guard of the city, he rendered very efficient ser- 
vice, and on the 28th of the following June was 
promoted to a second lieutenancy and stationed 
at Norfolk and Craney Island on guard duty. 
Later on he took part in the battles of Suffolk and 
Portsmouth, and at Antietam received a wound in 
the head which temporarily incapacitated him for 
duty. A short time previous to this latter battle, 
in which his regiment lost nearly one-half its offi- 
cers and men, it joined the Army of the Potomac. 
The following is his record of this event: 

Monday, September 15, 1862. — " This morning 
at an early hour moved forward, passing many 

90 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

dead bodies of the Confederates, and saw unmis- 
takable signs of a terrible conflict. Crossed the 
South Mountains and came up with the Army of 
the Potomac, where the brigade was attached to 
the command under General Sumner, and latei' 
was assigned by that brave officer to General 
French's division." 

Tuesday, September i6, 1862. — " Artillery fire 
continued without intermission throughout the 
day." . ..." In the evening was placed on tem- 
porary duty as acting brigade ordnance officer." 

Wednesday, September ly, 1862. — " Worked 
without rest or sleep throughout the entire night. 
At one time came very near the Confederate lines 
in following directions given me in seeking Gen- 
eral McClellan's head-quarters. Very late in the 
night I found his head-quarters in an orchard, 
in the vicinity of South Mountains. Early this 
morning we moved forward upon the enemy, and 
having forded the little stream Antietam, came up 
with the Confederates, and received their first fire 
just as they were emerging from a corn-field. 
From that time the conflict raged in fury, and 
many of my comrades and friends on right and 
left were laid low in death. For myself, I con- 
tinued at my post of duty until just before the 
order was given to charge the enemy, when I re- 
ceived a wound over my left ear which severed a 
small artery and covered my face with blood. 
From the battle-field I was taken to the hospital, 

91 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

where I received stimulants to revive me, and had 
my wound attended to." 

Friday, September ip, 1862. — " Felt so much 
better to-day that I left the hospital and reported 
to my regiment. My Colonel, being in command 
of the brigade, hearing of my presence, gave me 
the appointment of acting assistant adjutant-gen- 
eral." 

On the 13th and 14th of December following 
he participated with his regiment in the bloody 
battle of Fredericksburg, being on staff duty as as- 
sistant regimental quartermaster; and a few days 
later was promoted first lieutenant and appointed 
aide-de-camp on the staff of the brigade comman- 
der. On the 25th of January, 1863, a telegram 
advised him of the fatal illness of his revered 
mother. 

Obtaining five days' leave of absence, he went 
home to bid her a last farewell. After performing 
this filial duty, he returned to camp to hear of her 
departure a few days thereafter, " almost dis- 
tracted," he says, " by the news, notwithstanding 
my confidence in God, that whatsoever He doeth 
is all right." Early in March, stricken down with 
typhoid pneumonia, he was removed to the regi- 
mental hospital, where he remained until the 23d 
of the same month, receiving on a surgeon's cer- 
tificate leave of absence for twenty-days. Con- 
tinuing with his people for the period allotted him. 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

he returned to the army the 27th of April, " feel- 
ing greatly benefited by my sojourn home, but not 
entirely well." 

He was with his regiment as aide-de-camp in 
the exciting and varied movements of the Army 
of the Potomac which culminated in the battle of 
Gettysburg. His own part in that historic and 
bloody engagement he thus graphically describes : 

July J, 1864. — " No rest throughout the entire 
night. The troops were repeatedly aroused, and 
measures were taken to prevent a surprise on our 
lines. At daylight the fighting on the skirmish 
line commenced with renewed vigor. A barn on 
our front was taken and retaken; at one time we 
captured a large number of prisoners who had 
taken shelter in it. It was finally consigned to the 

flames At noon the battle commenced in 

all its fury by the fire of the opposing batteries of 
the two armies. At one time the rain of lead and 
iron around our head-quarters was terrific, caus- 
ing a regiment in a brigade to our left, being panic 
stricken, to break to the rear ; but with this excep- 
tion the troops in our division remained firm, lying 
low, and waiting the approach of the enemy, who 
had massed on our centre and seemed determined 
to crush and, if possible, annihilate us under their 
powerful advance. During the efforts of the offi- 
cers, headed by General Hayes, to drive the panic- 
stricken regiment into line, Colonel Smyth, my 

93 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

commander, received a wound on the side of the 
nose, cutting the flesh open and covering his face 
with blood, also a shell wound on the back of the 
head, which stunned him and obliged him tempo- 
rarily to leave the command. Shortly after, while 
lying under a little shelter from the sun, composed 
of three rails projecting against a stone wall and 
covered with a blanket, this being our head-quar- 
ters, I was shocked by the explosion of a shell im- 
mediately over me, which shivered to atoms a rail 
within a few inches of my spine, buried a piece in 
the earth at my left side, and killed my horse, tied 
to a twig, immediately to my right. I received 
severe internal injuries, and, although retaining 
my senses, was unable for some time to help my- 
self, being affected somewhat as if striken with 
paralysis. About this time it was evident from 
the peculiar yell of the enemy that he was coming 
up on the double-quick to charge our lines. Re- 
gaining a little strength, I succeeded in dragging 
myself a few yards along the road-side to the rear, 
where, late in the afternoon, I received assistance, 
and succeeded in reaching the field hospital. How- 
ever, before this the fate of the day had been de- 
cided and our forces were victorious. That night 
I was in great misery, but had every attention pos- 
sible." 

His injury proving severe, he received a sur- 
geon's certificate of disability — " a shell wound re- 

94 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ceived in action" — with leave of absence to pro- 
ceed to his home at Germantown, where he was at- 
tended by the surgeon in charge at that place. 

Having recovered, on the 23d of September he 
reported for duty, meanwhile having been elected 
and appointed adjutant of his regiment. After his 
return he took part in the battles of Bristow Sta- 
tion, Cedar Grove, and Mine Run; but being se- 
verely ill with a chronic complaint, which had con- 
tinued to afflict him since reporting for duty, and 
become greatly aggravated by exposure in the 
field, he was again granted twenty days' leave of 
absence on surgeon's certificate, and proceeded to 
his home. 

Perhaps it was in connection with his return 
home on this occasion that this interesting inci- 
dent occurred as related by his sister, and as it 
is quite characteristic of his playful thoughtful- 
ness, it is inserted here: 

Close to the house, in the grounds of the old 
homestead, stood a large pear-tree, behind which 
one could easily hide from eyes too inquisitive. 
Early one morning the sisters were gradually 
aroused from the profound slumber which pre- 
cedes the dawn, as from pleasant dreams, by 
strains of music, whose origin they could not im- 
agine. The voice seemed familiar, but whence it 
came or whose it was they did not know. Fully 
aroused at last, they looked out of the window, 
but no one was in sight, nor did they receive any 

95 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

answer to their call, save the tender notes of the 
singer : 

" Home again, home again. 
From a foreign shore ; 
But oh, it fills my heart with joy- 
To greet my friends once more." 

The voice, however, was too well-known long 
to defy detection. It suddenly flashed upon their 
minds that their brother had returned unexpect- 
edly from the seat of war, and meant this " song 
in the night" as a pleasant surprise ; when, forcing 
him from his hiding place by their pleadings, he 
was soon the recipient of their loving caresses and 
cordial welcome home, 

On the expiration of his leave of absence, Mr. 
Schaeffer reported for duty at Wilmington, Del., 
whither his regiment had gone for reorganization, 
their term of service having expired. On the 9th 
of February, 1864, in pursuance of orders, the 
regiment "started for the front, and on the 13th 
went into camp at Stony Mount." On the morn- 
ing of the 3d of May they again struck tents, and 
just as night set in started on the march, " the 
army being in splendid condition under the par- 
ticular supervision of Lieutenant General Grant." 
Marching all night, and crossing the Rapidan at 
Ely's Ford, about noon of the 4th they encamped 
on the old battle-field of Chancellorsville. 

Friday, May 6, 1864. — " I was on duty all night, 
96 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

notwithstanding being quite ill from exposure on 
the march and a severe attack of chills and fever. 
Early in the morning orders were given to charge 
and surprise the enemy. At 4 a.m. the entire line 
moved forward, and with such alacrity that the 
enemy were completely driven out of their first 
line of works, leaving their morning meal strown 
along the ground. From this time on the battle 
raged in all its fury, as we continued to press them. 
At one time, however, the Confederates succeeded 
in getting on our right flank, and were about turn- 
ing the tide of victory, when by a counter move- 
ment we were enabled to unite our broken line. 
During the excitement of the battle I continued 
unfalteringly at my post, and seemed to have un- 
natural strength for the occasion, but finally, from 
sheer exhaustion, during a lull in the engagement 
fell out, entirely overcome. I was immediately 
taken in charge by one of our surgeons on the 
field, and in the evening taken to the field-hos- 
pital." 

Saturday, May y, 1864. — " Fighting through- 
out the day, the enemy, however, retiring. During 
the night was quite ill with chills and fever." 

Being very anxious to rejoin his command, on 
the evening of the following day, in company with 
a fellow-ofiicer, Mr. Schaeffer started out to find 
his regiment, expecting to come up with it in the 
front line of battle, but as it had been ordered to 
7 97 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

another position, as he afterwards learned, the 
search was, of course, in vain. 

During this night of horror he became lost in 
the intricacies of the Wilderness, and barely es- 
caped falling into the hands of the Confederates. 
The excitement and fatigue aggravated his dis- 
ease, and growing worse and being unable to go 
farther, he was forwarded by ambulance and boat 
to Washington, D. C, and on his own application 
was afterwards sent to the Officers' Hospital at 
Annapolis, Md. 

Improving under treatment, on the 4th of June 
he was examined before the Medical Board, and 
being thought fit for service, was appointed acting 
adjutant of a provisional battalion, just then or- 
ganizing at Baltimore, Md. Starting for the front 
on the 7th of June, via Alexandria, Va., by Govern- 
ment boats, he passed down the Chesapeake and 
up the Pamunky, arriving at the White House on 
the morning of the loth. He performed the ser- 
vice required of him in distributmg the soldiers 
of the provisional battalion to their several com- 
mands, and afterwards took part in the battles of 
Cold Harbor and Petersburg. While thus en- 
gaged he was again attacked with chills and fever, 
and on the 21st was placed under treatment in the 
hospital. On this date he writes : " My condition 
physically becoming alarming, and despairing of 
recovering sufficiently to endure the exposure of 
field service, on the advice of medical and other 

98 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

friends I have fully determined to forward to 
head-quarters my resignation." This resolution 
he put into effect on the 23d, and on the 28th he 
received an honorable discharge from the service 
of the United States on surgeon's certificate of dis- 
ability. 

Reaching home on Sunday, July 3, 1864, he 
makes this record of his experiences : 

" After thirty-three months of field service, nine 
months as an enlisted soldier, and two years as a 
commissioned officer, I have been permitted by the 
mercy of God to return in safety to my home. 
When I reflect on the dangers through which I 
have passed, the hardships, the exposure, the want 
and fatigue, the wounds received and the narrow 
escapes from the enemy; when I remember the 
terrible scenes of battle, when shot and shell fairly 
rained death and destruction around me, and 
friends and comrades fell wounded and dead at 
my side; when I consider the severe attacks of 
disease, and the casualties of battle, which re- 
peatedly brought me very near the eternal world, 
yet in God's providence my days were prolonged, 
I cannot but ask, ' What shall I render unto the 
Lord for all His benefits towards me?' May I 
be found living to His praise." 

That Mr. Schaeffer was the same trustful, cheer- 
ful, consistent Christian in the midst of this en- 
vironment of strife and carnage as in the peaceful 

99 

l.dfC 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

pursuits of life we have previously described is 
shown not only in his own writings, but is con- 
firmed by the testimony of many friends, which it 
would be interesting to adduce did space permit. 
He says concerning his life in camp: 

" God granted me His presence and blessing in 
my darkest hours. Oh, how many sweet seasons 
have I had with my Saviour ! how good to my soul 
the religious exercises of the camp! Although at 
times my heart became cold, yet I never lost my 
trust in God nor a relish for His holy services. In 
the time of battle I sought Him for courage and 
strength to enable me to stand firm in the hour of 
danger, or if wounded or shot dead by the enemy, 
that I might fall at the post of duty. My thoughts 
have often reverted to the loved ones of my dear 
church and the beloved home circle who were pray- 
ing for me, and with it my heart took courage. 
During the last winter the precious season of re- 
vival among the soldiers of my brigade was a time 
of great blessing to my soul, and resulted in great 
good to many who now lie in a soldier's grave." 

But Mr. Schaeffer's connection with the army 
was not thus summarily to cease. God had other 
and larger work for him to perform to the praise 
of His holy name. The step which he now took 
opened wide the door of opportunity, for which 
his entire previous life appears to have been a 
preparation, and in its outcome furnished the key 

100 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

which explains the peculiar experiences which had 
hindered his entrance into the ministry. He 
might, indeed, have become a useful minister of 
Jesus Christ, in accordance with his intense desire, 
had not his way been hedged by circumstances 
which to him seemed insurmountable; but it is 
certain had he merely followed the inclinations of 
his heart, the unique work put into his hands 
would have remained unaccomplished. 

Amid the comforts and gracious attentions of 
the home circle, in the three months elapsing since 
his resignation from the army Mr. Schaeffer found 
himself with health improved and ready for such 
service as he might be able to perform. His heart 
was still in the struggle, and the moral aspect of 
the war stirred his deepest feelings. Under date 
of July 4, 1864, a few days after his retirement 
from the service, he writes : 

" The anniversary of our national independence 
still finds us engaged in a terrible struggle to save 
our beloved country. May the Lord hasten the 
time when this wicked Rebellion, which has 
brought so much desolation and distress upon us, 
shall be effectually crushed, and the nation riseJ 
again to glory and strength, renovated and re- 
deemed, and with the dark spot of slavery entirely 
blotted out." 

Thus led, and prompted by motives so praise- 
worthy, he again offered himself to the Govern- 
ment. 

101 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Friday, September 23, 1864. — " My health 
having improved sufficiently to warrant an offer- 
ing of my service to the Government for post or 
garrison duty, I made on this date application for 
a commission in the ' Veteran Reserve Corps.' " 

On the 29th of September he received a letter 
from the Provost Marshal General, with instruc- 
tions to report to the Board of Examination at 
Washington, D. C, for examination, which he took 
the next day, but left for home without knowledge 
of the result. Pending information from the 
Board of Examination, he makes the following 
entry : 

" I have committed my way unto the Lord, and 
wait the developments of His will. If it shall 
please Thee, O God, that I shall again enter the 
army of my country, so direct every movement, 
appointment, and assignment, etc., as shall best 
conduce to my present, future, and eternal good. 

" * Only Thou my leader be, 
And I still will follow Thee.' " 

In due course he received an appointment as 
second lieutenant in the Veteran Reserve Corps, 
and was assigned to duty with the Fourteenth 
Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, stationed at 
Rendezvous of Distribution in Fairfax County, 
Va., near Washington, D. C. His duties now 

102 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

consisted mainly in conducting detachments of 
soldiers, drafted men, and prisoners-of-war to 
localities and camps in various parts of the coun- 
try. That he was not idle in a religious way ap- 
pears from the citation below. 

January, i, 1865. — " I have found my station at 
Rendezvous of Distribution one of precious interest 
to my soul. At the regimental camp, a most de- 
lightful nightly meeting was participated in and 
greatly enjoyed, while the larger meetings at the 
Christian Commission Chapel were not only the 
means of growth in grace to many Christians, but 
resulted in the conversion of hundreds to the cause 
of the Redeemer. My soul can bless the Lord for 
His assistance in the path of duty, for enabling me 
to stand up frequently for Him, and for keeping 
me safe from the many snares that were laid iot 
my feet by wicked companions and enemies of my 
soul." 

He was stationed at the Capitol Barracks at the 
period of General Lee's surrender, and on the 
night of President Lincoln's assassination he had 
his company under arms from midnight until early 
morning. On the 27th of May he received a com- 
mission as first lieutenant in the Veteran Reserve 
Corps, and was relieved from duty with the Four- 
teenth Regiment and assigned to duty with the 
Seventh Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps. 

On the 23d of July he was the principal in an 
103 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

incident somewhat unique in army life, being the 
recipient of a copy of the Bible, presented by hi^ 
company as a token of their esteem, many of the 
donors having just received an honorable dis- 
charge from the service. About this time he was 
taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to his home, 
where he lay at the point of death for many days. 
Recovering, he returned to his regiment on the 
1st of November, and on the 27th of the same 
month was relieved from duty in that department 
and ordered to proceed to his home and report by 
letter to the Adjutant General of the Army. On 
his arrival home he transmitted the letter as or- 
dered, and also forwarded to Hon. Russel Thayer, 
member of Congress from his district, several 
recommendations received by him for honorable 
service. 

For about three months, while awaiting orders 
at home, Mr. Schaeffer rejoiced to avail him- 
self of the church privileges he had formerly en- 
joyed, and engaged with old-time interest and fer- 
vor in religious work. 

On the 1st of January, 1866, he writes : " Spent 
the closing hours of the past year in holy services 
with the people of God, the last moments, as usual, 
upon the bended knee, in consecrating renewedly 
soul and body to the service of the Master." 

January ^i, 1866. — " The month one of special 
blessing and comfort to my soul. I have found 

104 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the Union Prayer-Meetings exceedingly precious, 
also the meetings of my own beloved church, 
where God's Spirit has been so graciously poured 
out, bringing quite a number to the feet of Jesus. 
My soul baptized afresh — inundated by a Saviour's 
love. Oh, how sweet have been my meditations 
during the night watches ! For hours my soul 
has been in a sacred flame." 

February 4, 1866. — " A precious Sabbath to my 
soul. Early in the morning met the old colored 
people at the Horse Market in their prayer-meet- 
ing, and, as on all former occasions, found it the 
gate of heaven in its soul-reviving influences and 
nearness to the mercy-seat. At the church wit- 
nessed the baptism of twenty happy converts, 
twelve of them young men in the flower of youth. 
Found the Communion service exceedingly pre- 
cious, as also the meeting for prayer which fol- 
lowed. Returned home after evening service with 
a full heart of thankfulness." 

February 28, 1866. — " Occasionally it is my 
happy privilege to receive the glad tidings of the 
conversion of those who were formerly under my 
charge in the Sabbath-school. Since my return 
home I have given my hand to no less than four 
of this class, who have rejoiced my heart with the 
good news that they had found the Saviour. 
Blessed be God, my petitions have been answered 
in behalf of these and others whom I have labored 
to lead to Christ." 

105 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

March ^i, 1866. — " .... During the month 
another of my Sabbath-school scholars has been 
brought to experience hope in Christ. May the 
Lord keep him faithful unto death, and give him 
a crown of life." 

Reporting from time to time to the Adjutant 
General of the Army as required, but in ignorance 
of the service to which he might be called, " my 
future," he writes, " I leave to the kind directing 
hand which has led me hitherto." 



106 



CHAPTER VI I. 

It would be difficult in this era of general pros- 
perity and good-will throughout the country to 
form a true conception of the conditions which 
obtained in the South on the surrender of General 
Lee at Appomattox, on the collapse of the Con- 
federate Government. 

The South, after a heroic struggle in a " cause" 
which many of her best citizens regarded as 
righteous, humiliated and defeated, lay prostrate 
at the feet of the North, who had fought for the 
maintenance of the Government and the glory of 
the flag. The whole Southland was shrouded in 
mourning. There was scarcely a household which 
had not been rudely broken in upon by the ruthless 
hand of war, and all hearts were overwhelmed with 
sorrow for the wounded and the dead. 

Social and economic conditions were completely 
revolutionized. Credit was utterly destroyed, and 
the people were without a medium of exchange. 
The Confederate currency, which had greatly de- 
preciated in value before hostilities ceased, had now 
become absolutely worthless. Over wide sections 
of country the masses of society, in conducting the 
affairs of daily life, were compelled to resort 
to the primitive practice of barter. Labor was 
given in exchange for food. and shelter, one food 

107 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

commodity was bartered for another, and in this 
inadequate way business was carried on and the 
community managed to subsist. 

The negro, who as a slave had been the pro- 
ductive source of wealth, and by loyalty to his 
master had rendered possible the prolongation of 
the Rebellion, was now a freeman, impoverishing 
by his emancipation thousands whose wealth con- 
sisted in human chattels. The latter, with lax 
moral views of slavery, the result of many years 
of custom and education, resented the action of 
the Government in freeing their slaves as an out- 
rage upon their rights and a practical confiscation 
of their property. They distrusted the freedmen 
in their new relations to society and the state, and 
found adjustment with prevailing conditions not 
only difficult but naturally irksome. 

The slave, for generations the victim of illiter- 
acy, and rendered dependent by his servile life, 
had neither the intelligence nor disposition at first 
to avail himself of the advantages his changed 
circumstances afforded him. It was inevitable 
that there should be a clash of classes and general 
confusion, growing out of the disorganized state 
of society. 

Indeed, in not a few cases the entire machinery 
of the civil law was deranged, not infrequently the 
civil authorities were powerless to execute the 
laws, and occasionally the partial administration 



1 08 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

of justice, as was to be expected, led to bitterness 
and strife. 

Mutual suspicion prevailed. The blacks, with a 
view to self-protection and for political purposes, 
were organized into secret societies, known as 
Union Leagues. The whites, fearing the conse- 
quences of such combinations, whose objects they 
could neither influence nor understand, were dis- 
posed to proscribe those who were known or sus- 
pected to be in affiliation with them. Many of the 
negroes, ejected from their quarters and deprived 
of the supplies upon which they had been accus- 
tomed to depend, were in the extreme of poverty, 
lacking both food and suitable shelter. 

Taxed to the utmost by the insatiable demands 
of the Confederate Government, but little had been 
done by the people during the Civil War for free 
education. In the abnormal condition of affairs 
and the pressing financial distress, more could not 
be hoped for now. Moreover, God Almighty, as 
in the days of old by Moses to Pharaoh, had said 
to this nation, in a voice as emphatic and by provi- 
dences as unmistakable, " Let my people go;" and 
in response a vast horde of liberated slaves, illiter- 
ate, superstitious, improvident, without ability to 
govern themselves wisely, or participate in the 
government of others, were thrown into the midst 
of our national life. What could be done with 
them ? Would the States assume the responsibility 
of their education? What was the Nation's duty 

109 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

concerning them? These were urgent questions 
that would not be thrust aside. Apart from the 
conviction, held at that time by the great majority 
of the Southern people, that it was not only im- 
politic, but dangerous, to impart the rudiments 
of an education to the negro, remained the fact 
that no adequate provision could possibly be made 
for the whites. What the States would do in the 
future was uncertain. It would at least require 
time to eradicate old prejudices and develop a more 
conservative sentiment. A wholly anomalous or- 
der of things existed, which would take time, 
thought, and wise statesmanship to direct and sys- 
tematize. Fortunately, the negro himself, feeling 
the impulse of his new free life, was eager to avail 
himself of every opportunity for self -improvement 
and material advancement. 

At this juncture our beneficent Government 
came to the rescue. It was not enough for the 
Nation to know that past injuries inflicted devolved 
upon the people special obligations. The public 
conscience was stirred. From all parts of the 
North voluntary associations, religious and secu- 
lar, entered upon the work of education among 
the negroes with enthusiasm and success, while 
the United States Government, by special act of 
Congress, organized under the control of the War 
Department a " Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, 
and Abandoned Lands" expressly to provide for 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the exigencies we have tried in a few words to de- 
scribe. 

Mr. Schaeffer was not left long in suspense. 
On the 6th of April, 1866, after awaiting orders 
for some three weeks, he was instructed to report 
to Major General O. O. Howard, Commissioner 
of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 
for assignment to duty in that Bureau, and re- 
ported on the same date. Subsequent instructions 
directed him to proceed to Richmond, Va., and 
from that point he was sent to Wytheville, Va., 
as Assistant Superintendent, in the counties of 
Smyth and Tazewell, with head-quarters at Ma- 
rion, Va. Here, under orders, he relieved Lieu- 
tenant B. E. Hess, V. R. C. The following day, 
May 23d, he indorsed a petition, signed by numer- 
ous citizens, " that if not incompatible with the 
interests of the service, Lieutenant Hess be al- 
lowed to resume the duties of Assistant Superin- 
tendent of that portion of the district." On the 
24th of May the order relieving Lieutenant Hess 
was revoked, and Mr. Schaeffer was assigned to 
duty in the counties of Montgomery and Giles, 
with head-quarters at Christiansburg, Va. 

These uninteresting and apparently unimportant 
orders and assignments are mentioned here because 
they constitute a series of providential steps which 
brought Mr. Schaeffer in direct relations with the 
field of his future life-work. It is by such seem- 
ingly insignificant events as these that our lives 

III 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

are modified, and sometimes the whole current of 
them changed. 

On the 13th of July he received information 
of his appointment and confirmation by the Senate 
of the United States to the rank of Brevet Cap- 
tain U. S. V. " for gallant and meritorious ser- 
vices during the war," the commission to date from 
the 13th of March, 1865. 

Delayed by a serious illness, it was not until the 
13th of August that he was permitted to enter 
upon his duties. In the meantime another county 
had been added to his sub-district, which now em- 
braced the counties of Montgomery, Giles, and 
Pulaski. On his recovery he immediately began 
a " tour of duty" through this section of South- 
western Virginia, visiting the towns and villages 
for the reception of the freed people, who came 
in large numbers to the several places of rendez- 
vous. Their condition can be better imagined than 
described. They comprised a grotesque and mot- 
ley company. Many of them were clad in rags, 
and most of them were ill-fed. They were of all 
ages and conditions, from the white-haired pa- 
triarch of the plantation to the infant in arms. 
The sick, the blind, the lame, the widow, and the 
orphan composed part of these groups. From their 
filth and poverty and squalor they came, trooping 
by hundreds to the Government officials for help 
in their extremity. They were, in truth, " as sheep 
having no shepherd." They needed everything — 

112 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

food, clothing, employment, education, religion. 
Illiterate to the last degree, ignorant of the ways 
of the world, hampered by a sense of dependence, 
their religion a tissue of superstition, their idea 
of freedom deliverance from restraint and license 
to come and go and do as they pleased, thrown 
upon their own resources, is it not one of the mar- 
vels of history that they were kept under control 
at all? Their conduct immediately following 
emancipation is a credit to their race and a signal 
instance of the overruling hand of God in the af- 
fairs of men. 

It is true that in the several months which had 
elapsed since the suppression of the Rebellion the 
mutual necessities of the whites and blacks had 
somewhat relieved the tension of feeling existing 
between them, which was the immediate conse- 
quence of emancipation, yet the distress was severe, 
the demand for action on the part of the Govern- 
ment urgent, and the officials were brought face 
to face with problems new to our institutions, the 
solution of which required the utmost tact, for 
bearance, and skill. 

Captain Schaefifer returned to his head-quarters 
at Christiansburg from this first tour profoundly 
impressed with the seriousness of his charge, " but 
with the consciousness that my [his] labors for 
the good of the freed people were fully appre- 
ciated." How solemnly he viewed his responsi- 



"3 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

bilities in this connection the following citation 
will explain, 

December jj, 1866. — " .... My soul has 
been blessed with the refreshings of God's presence 
and with fellowship and communion with my 
Saviour. In my duties as Assistant Superinten- 
dent of the Bureau I have endeavored to labor 
faithfully for the interests of the freed people, and 
to deal justly and impartially with all classes. 
They now honor me for my integrity and esteem 
me as their friend. Feeling deeply interested in 
behalf of the freed people, I do humbly beg for 
Christ's sake that I may be a blessing among 
them, both temporally and spiritually, and prove; 
myself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed 
— honoring God, hating sin, fearing to do evil, 
whatever my hands find to do, to do it with my 
might, to serve God with all my heart, soul, mind, 
and strength, and to so live as to have nothing to 
regret when I come to die. I beg this for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 

" As during the past year I have prayed to be 
led by the Holy Spirit, and to know no will but 
His, so during the coming year may every step be 
marked out by the great ' I Am,' and my course 
be that of * the just,' which shineth more and more 
unto the perfect day,' I pray for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. Renewedly I consecrate myself to the 
service of the Living God. May my past sins be 

114 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

forgiven, and grace and strength be vouchsafed 
to me, so that I may live * not unto myself, but 
unto him who died for me and rose again.' " 

Captain Schaeffer was now crowded with work. 
In addition to the general duties of Assistant 
Superintendent of the Bureau, on the i8th of April, 
1867, he was appointed, under Act of Congress, 
Registering Officer and President of the Board 
of Registration for Montgomery County, Va., and 
on the 7th of June following Military Commis- 
sioner for the counties under his jurisdiction, 
which now consisted of Montgomery, Giles, Roa- 
noke, Craig, and Floyd. His orders made neces- 
sary monthly visits to their several county-seats. 
With head-quarters at Christiansburg, Va., he 
was required to make long and fatiguing journeys, 
by railroad where practicable, but often on foot 
or on horseback, over rough mountain roads, at 
the expense of much labor and inconvenience, and 
where accommodations for the traveller were of 
the most primitive kind. 

As Registering Officer he was responsible for 
the taking of a careful census of the white and 
colored voters and a general supervision of the 
elections; as Military Commissioner under the 
Department, he was clothed with authority in 
cases where the civil courts were either unable 
or indisposed to mete out justice; as Assistant 
Superintendent of the Bureau of R., F., and A. 

"5 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

L., the needs of the freedmen, their relations to 
employers and labor, the general question of edu- 
cation, their social conditions, etc., received atten- 
tion. That these duties were onerous the pre- 
ceding statement will make clear; that they were 
performed to the satisfaction of his superiors ap- 
pears from the following modest line : 

July ^, i86y. — " Received a complimentary let- 
ter from the Assistant Commissioner." 

Many of the cases coming before Captain 
Schaeffer as Military Commissioner required nice 
tact and discrimination in their adjudication. 
They included a wide range of subjects, from the 
disposition to be made of an old army mule or 
wagon found unlawfully in the possession of some 
white person or ex-slave, to the investigation of an 
alleged plot on the part of the negroes for the 
destruction of their former masters. A large ma- 
jority of these cases were of a trivial and vexa- 
tious character, consisting in disputes growing out 
of the failure of employers to fulfil the terms 
of their contracts with employees. This contract 
system prevailed extensively, — as it still does in 
some parts of the South, — and seemed to be the 
only feasible method of conducting business in the 
rural districts in the economic conditions of the 
times. 

Captain Schaeffer brought to this duty thor- 
ii6 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ough conscientiousness and a desire for absolute 
impartiality. Wherever he could be assured that 
justice would be dispensed, the disputants were im- 
mediately handed over to the civil authorities. A 
copy is appended of a summing up in Captain 
Schaeffer's official report of an alleged plot to mur- 
der the whites in his district. It was made after 
a thorough investigation of the facts, and pays a 
high tribute to the behavior of the negroes. 

"Head-Quarters Military Commissioner, 
" Counties of Pulaski, Montgomery, and Giles, 
" Christiansburg, Va., December 13, 1867. 
"Lieutenant Charles P. Robe, U. S. A., A. A. A. General. 

" Lieutenant : — I have the honor to make the following 
statement of facts relative to the enclosed petition of citi- 
zens of Central Depot, Montgomery County, Va. [Here 
follows a minute and exhaustive report of the testimony in 
the case.] 

" The whites, I believe, are fully armed and ready for 

any emergency. I heard Mr. W tell a number of persons 

that the General commanding had instructed him to tell 
the whites that they had all better arm themselves, or words 
to that effect. It is my candid opinion that this whole affair 
was gotten up to injure the colored man, and as a ruse to 
obtain an armed organization of the whites. Throughout 
the counties under my jurisdiction the freed people are be- 
having themselves nobly, attending to their own business 
and giving no cause of offense to their white neighbors: 
while, on the other hand, the whites are greatly embittered 
against them and annoy them with petty persecutions. 

" The charges made that they threatened certain parties 
of their own color for uttering conservative sentiments could 
not be substantiated, although every facility was afforded 
the petitioners to do so. Before leaving Central Depot, in 
conversation with prominent citizens, they made the bold 

117 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

assertion that they believed the whole affair to be a farce, 
and that, so far as they could judge, the colored people were 
behaving themselves admirably under the present conditions 

and circumstances. Mr. did not object to any of the 

testimony of the witnesses, and finally acknowledged that he 
was the first to report among the colored men the news- 
paper articles referring to the arming of the blacks and their 
intention to destroy the women and children. Having made 
a thorough sifting of this matter as far as in my power, 
" I remain, very respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER, 

"Brevet Captain and Military Commissioner." 



ii8 



CHAPTER VII L 

The most remarkable fact in connection with 
emancipation, perhaps, was the avidity shown by 
the freedmen for knowledge and mental training. 
And considering the further fact of the interest 
taken by the General Government, by secular and 
religious organizations, and by individuals in sup- 
plying this demand, there is presented for our re- 
flection a most unique chapter in human history. 

The attitude of the negro towards education at 
the outset of his career as a freedman furnishes an 
eloquent prophecy of his possible future, and the 
helping hand extended by his white brother, a 
splendid tribute to the influence of Christian civili- 
zation in allaying caste prejudice and in affording 
the weaker brother a chance. It had its origin in 
a broad statesmanship and Christly charity, which 
reaching out at a critical juncture, preserved a peo- 
ple from a bondage more bitter than that of the 
flesh, and probably from the unspeakable horrors 
of a race war. Nor would it be possible to estimate 
at its true value the work accomplished by the 
agencies named in the few years next succeeding 
the war, the formative and crucial period of the 
negro as a free citizen; for it must not be for- 
gotten that alongside the school-house was reared 
the house of worship, and with the training of 
the mind came also the culture of the heart. 

119 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

The late General C. S. Armstrong, principal of 
Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, 
says : " General Howard and the Freedmen's Bu- 
reau did for the ex-slaves, from 1865 to 1870, a 
marvellous work, for which due credit has not 
been given; among other things, giving to their 
education an impulse and a foundation by grant- 
ing three and a half millions of dollars for school- 
houses, salaries, etc., promoting the education of 
about a million of colored children. The princi- 
pal negro educational institutions of to-day, then 
starting, were liberally aided in a time of vital 
need." 

It is not within the scope of this work to discuss 
the details of this extraordinary educational move- 
ment excepting as they refer to the subject of this 
memoir, but we cannot refrain from quoting the 
following, as indicating the breadth and success 
that attended it. 

Extract from the Fourth Semi-Annual Report 
on Schools for Freedmen, July i, 1867, by J. V. 
Alvord, General Superintendent of Schools, Bu- 
reau R., F., and A. L. : 

" We are now reaching, with efficient influence, not only 
the cities, but the remotest counties of each State lately in 
rebellion. The voluntary associations are working har- 
moniously with us in sentiment and methods of action, and 
in harmony among themselves. The reports of State Super- 
intendents indicate fidelity and increasing thoroughness, 
showing more perfect knowledge of the work and deeper 
commitment to its great results ; and the nearly two thou- 

120 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

sand teachers at present employed give, with rare exceptions, 
gratifying proof that these four millions may in future be 

safely left with such instructors Still we look back 

with astonishment at the amount accomplished. Such prog- 
ress as is seen under auspices admitted to be unfavor- 
able; the permanency of the schools, scarcely one failing 
when once commenced ; the rapid increase of intelligence 
among the whole colored population, are matters of con- 
stant remark by every observer. Thus far this educational 
efifort, considered as a whole, has been eminently successful. 
The country and the world are surprised to behold a de- 
pressed race, so lately and long in bondage, springing to their 
feet, and entering the lists in hopeful competition of every 
rival. 

" We urge all friends of the freedmen to increasing con- 
fidence and to look forward with assured expectation to 
greater things than these. This people are to be prepared 
for what is preparing for them. They are to become ' a 
people which in time past were not a people ;' and there is 
increasing evidence that ' God hath made of one blood all 
the nations of men.' Equal endowments substantially with 
equal culture, will produce that equality common to all man- 
kind." 

A few extracts from one of Captain Schaeffer's 
reports to the Bureau will, perhaps, best explain 
his several relations to the same : 

" Head-Quarters of Bureau of R., F., and A. L., 
" Christiansburg, Va., January 31, 1868. 
" General : — I have the honor to make the following re- 
port of Bureau affairs in the counties under my jurisdiction. 
.... I have, however, been fully engaged in looking after 
the interests of the freed people in the Third Division, 
visiting many of them at their homes, and endeavoring to 
acquaint myself with their condition and circumstances. 
Some I found in deep poverty and distress, but was enabled 
to relieve in a great measure their necessities by kind as- 

121 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

sistance furnished me by friends in Philadelphia, Ohio, and 
other places, especially in the distribution of women's and 
children's clothing, which was received with true-hearted 
gratitude and praise to God. The men's clothing sent me 
by the Bureau will prove a great comfort and blessing to 
the aged and infirm. 

" The cold weather in these mountains has been unusually 
severe, and those not well provided for, through inability 
to lay by supplies, have in many instances suffered severely, 
but have received relief as far as we were able to supply 
their necessities. 

" There seems to be a disposition on the part of the whites 
not to enter into written contracts with these people until 
after the election, hoping thereby to influence their votes 
for the parties whom they select, or against the adoption 
of the constitution framed by the convention now in session. 
They also in many instances hire them by the day, while 
others are employed by the month, without any special ar- 
rangement being made to continue them in service. They 
are fearful, however, to turn them off altogether, as they 
certainly need their labor; notwithstanding many of them 
are advocating the introduction of white labor to the ex- 
clusion of the colored man. This, however, will not suc- 
ceed, and I have assured the freed people of its improba- 
bility. 

" Public sentiment among the ' unreconstructed' is bitter 
against these people. Their schools are denounced, and 
every effort for their advancement is looked upon with 
distrust. No sympathy or co-operation can be expected 
from this source. And even those persons who are favor- 
able to the education and elevation of the colored race are 
so fearful of public opinion that they are unwilling to take 
a bold stand for the right. 

" The poor whites are in a sad condition, and their chil- 
dren are growing up in ignorance and vice. They are will- 
ing to mingle with the negroes in their homes, but when 
asked to avail themselves of their school advantages can- 
not be induced to enroll themselves among them. Through- 
out all the counties under my jurisdiction as Bureau Officer 

122 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

I do not know of a single school for poor whites, and I have 
taken considerable trouble to ascertain the facts in the case. 

" In regard to freedmen's schools, only two at present 
are in successful operation, and these are supported by 
Northern benevolent associations, the one at Christiansburg 
numbering two teachers and two hundred and thirty-two 
scholars, including one hundred and forty-five day and 
eighty-five night scholars. A large class of colored young 
men receive writing-lessons four nights in the week from 
your officer in charge. 

" The Sunday-school at this place numbers one superin- 
tendent, twenty-eight teachers, and two hundred and nine 
scholars. At Newbern, Pulaski County, the school num- 
bers ninety-seven day and twenty-eight night scholars. A 
large Bible class is taught by the day-school teacher. Both 
these interests are in a very flourishing condition, and the 
scholars are making very rapid progress in their studies. 
At Salem I found a school with one teacher and sixty-eight 
scholars, but which needs looking after to make it suc- 
cessful. The county schools have all been closed during 
the past month, owing to the severe weather. As far as I 
have been able to visit among them, I have found the chil- 
dren studying at their homes, but, of course, making very 
slow progress. 

" The Lincoln Temperance Association at Christiansburg 
now numbers two hundred members and is exerting a 
powerful influence for good throughout the community. At 
Newbern the membership numbers ninety, and is as true 
as steel to the cause. We purpose as soon as we are able 
to organize divisions in other localities. 

" Difficulties growing out of the marriage relation have 
been adjusted without recourse to the civil law, as well as 
a number of cases of improper conduct, which have been 
disposed of in a manner which will, we trust, prevent their 

recurrence and have a salutary influence upon others 

The orphan children, as far as I can learn, have been 
properly cared for, and where an opportunity is afforded 
attend our schools. 

" Notwithstanding the malice and hatred of the whites to- 
123 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

wards the freed people and those engaged in laboring for 
their welfare, yet there are some who would bid them God- 
speed, and would give assistance if they could, and the 
freedmen themselves are steadily advancing in intelligence, 
sobriety, and good deportment, desiring to live in peace with 
all men, and endeavoring to secure by their labor an honest 
livelihood. 

" I am, General, very respectfully, 
" Your obedient servant, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER, 

" Brevet Captain, etc., etc." 

The notable interest manifested by Captain 
Schaeffer in this educational work, and his evident 
adaptation for its prosecution, called forth from 
the Superintendent of Education the following 
communication : 

" Bureau of R., F., and A. L., 
" Office of Superintendent of Education, 
" Richmond, Va., June 17, 1869. 
" Brevet Captain C. S. Schaeffer. 

" Dear Sir : — I should be glad if I can arrange the matter 
with yourself and General Howard to have you appointed 
Assistant Superintendent of Schools, so that you can con- 
tinue the work you have in hand for the Friends' Society, 
and at the same time enlarge the sphere of your operations 
beyond what you otherwise would do, and at least get your 
travelling expenses and subsistence while travelling from 
the Government. Perhaps I can get more than that for 
you. This would relieve the Society of all charge for your 
travelling expenses, and give you larger freedom in useful- 
ness. Please write me what you think of this. 
" Yours truly, 

" R. M. Manly, 
" Superintendent of Education." 

Concerning this communication the " Diary" re- 
cords the following: 

124 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Friday, July 2^, i86g. — " Yesterday busy as 
usual. To-day I received enclosed in communica- 
tion from Rev. R. M. Manly, Superintendent of 
Education, State of Virginia, Bureau of R., F., and 
A. L., a letter of appointment from the War De- 
partment, Head-Quarters, Bureau of R., F., and 
A. L., Washington, D. C, assigning me to duty as 
Assistant Superintendent of Education, State of 
Virginia. Mailed a letter of acceptance and en- 
tered upon duties." 

Thursday, August 12, i86g. — " Visited Rev. 
R. M. Manly, Superintendent of Education, etc., 
arranged in regard to future work, and received 
instructions to make certain tours of inspection 
throughout the western counties of the State." 

Friday, August jj, i86p. — " I returned to 
Christiansburg. When six miles west of Salem, 
was providentially preserved from a railroad ac- 
cident by reason of a burned bridge." 

The appended order indicates the largely in- 
creased labor and responsibility involved in the 
assumption of this new official relationship to the 
Government : 

" Bureau of R., R, and A. L., 
" Office of Superintendent of Education, 
"Richmond, Va., August 11, 1869. 
"Mr. C. S. Schaeffer, Assistant Superintendent of Educa- 
tion, State of Virginia. 
" Sir : — You will proceed to the principal points in the 
counties of Washington, Russell, Tazewell, Smyth, Giles, 

125 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Floyd, Roanoke, Pulaski, and Botetourt, Va., for the purpose 
of providing for the schools heretofore held, and the es- 
tablishment of others where practicable. On completion of 
this duty, you will make a detailed report with recommenda- 
tions. 

" Respectfully, 

"R. M. Manly, 
" Superintendent of Education." 

The Freedman's Bureau was in thorough accord 
with the various charitable associations interested 
in this great educational movement. In many 
cases it assumed the rent of private buildings used 
for schools ; in some cases arrangement was made 
by means of which a portion of the appropriation 
for rent could be diverted to the payment of salary. 
This, however, was only permissible in extraordi- 
nary cases. The rule was for the Bureau not di- 
rectly to employ teachers. The Bureau appropri- 
ated ten dollars per capita monthly to the organiza- 
tions having this work in hand for each person 
commissioned by them. In this indirect way the 
Government bore a large portion of the expense of 
the work. 

Captain Schaeffer found it quite easy, therefore, 
to sustain simultaneously relations to the Bureau 
and to the Friends' Freedmen's Association, re- 
ceiving from the former travelling expenses and 
subsistence while travelling, and from the latter 
a small salary of which he made no personal use, 
but expended in the work. 

Aid was also extended by the Pennsylvania Abo- 
126 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

lition Society, the American Tract Society, the 
American Baptist Publication Society, and such 
men as Dr. James E. Rhoads, late president of 
Bryn Mawr College, — between whom and Captain 
Schaeffer subsisted a warm personal friendship, — 
Benjamin Coates, H. M. Laing, W. H. Horn, and 
Richard Wood, of Philadelphia, and other re- 
spected and influential ladies and gentlemen in 
various parts of the country, who at this time and 
for years used Captain Schaeffer as a channel for 
their benefactions. 

Regard was had not only nor chiefly to the de- 
mand for education. Spiritual and physical relief 
was abundantly provided to supply the prevalent 
destitution. In addition to the regular supply of 
school-books and materials, large quantities of 
Bibles, Testaments, religious books, and tracts 
were furnished and distributed. Germane to the 
interest felt in the spiritual welfare of these 
people, the subjoined extract from a letter of Dr. 
Tames E. Rhoads to Captain Schaeffer deserves 
attention : 

" New Hope, Pa., 8th mo. 20th, 1869. 
" To C. S. Schaeffer. 

" Dear Friend : — .... We feel, if anything, an increas- 
ing interest in the pupils being taught a knowledge of the 
Scriptures. Please inform me of thy plans for the fall, 
when they shall be prepared, and also of opportunities to 
supply books, tracts. Bibles, etc., to both white and colored. 
Oh, that the poor whites could be brought under the power 
of Gospel truth. If openings occur for this, I hope thou 

127 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

wilt take occasion to improve them by whatever means wis- 
dom may direct With Christian friendship, and 

desires that thou ' may abide in Christ,' and He in thee, 
being unto thee ' wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and 
redemption,' 

" I am truly thy friend, 

"James E. Rhoads." 

Nor were these Christian friends content with 
efforts for the mental and spiritual elevation of 
these people. In the matter of physical relief no 
little liberality was exercised. From time to time, 
continuing for a number of years, of which there 
will be occasion to speak later, large consignments 
of clothing, bedding, surgical appliances, and medi- 
cines of a simple sort were forwarded to Captain 
Schaeffer for free distribution among the poor of 
his district. 

The considerable group of counties committed 
to his supervision under the order quoted above 
extended from the Tennessee border on the south- 
west, continuing along the boundary line of West 
Virginia, and including Botetourt County on the 
northeast, embracing a tract of territory two hun- 
dred miles long by sixty miles wide, through which 
passed but a single railway. 

The school district also included Montgomery 
County, which had been previously assigned to 
him, and other sections which need not be specifi- 
cally mentioned. 

It is evident that these several responsible du- 
ties taxed time and strength to the utmost. Using 

128 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the railway, which as a sort of vertebra ran cen- 
trally through this territory, often on freight 
trains, he branched off to the right and left, some- 
times on horseback, more often on foot, visiting 
where schools were established, or journeying into 
the more sparsely settled districts, where indiffer- 
ence prevailed as to school advantages, encourag- 
ing teachers and pupils, and by holding ' educa- 
tional meetings' stimulating interest among the 
people. But the carelessness and ignorance of 
some of these communities as to their spiritual 
needs concerned him even more than their intel- 
lectual progress. And while not neglecting the 
latter, wherever he went religious meetings were 
held, Sunday-schools organized. Bibles and Chris- 
tian literature scattered, and the foundations laid 
for numerous churches that to-day flourish in that 
once benighted region of Virginia. 

The extent of this service may be inferred from 
the fact that at one period, as Assistant Superin- 
tendent of Education, he had as many as twenty 
thousand pupils under supervision. 

We subjoin a few notes from the " Diary :" 

September 24, i86p. — " Started to-night for 
Giles Court-House via Dublin." 

September 25, 1869. — "Arrived at Pearisburg 
this P.M. Meeting this evening." 

September 26, i86p. — " A good time in the 
Sabbath-school, followed by preaching service, 
9 129 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

baptism, hand of fellowship, and Lord's Supper. 
Ten received, six by baptism — a good time day 
and evening." 

September 2^, i86g. — " After attending to 
school matters returned to Christiansburg." 

September 28, i86q. — " This evening went to 
Salem and held an educational meeting." 

September 2p, i86p. — " From Salem visited 
Lynchburg and proceeded to Charlotte Court- 
House." 

September ^0, 1869. — " Visited the Charlotte 
and Scott's Farm Schools, and to-night held an 
educational meeting at Charlotte Court-House." 

October i, i86p. — " Visited among the people 
until 4 P.M., when I started for Wolf Trap Station 
and stopped for the night." 

October 2, i86p. — " Took conveyance to Clarks- 
ville, where in the evening I held an educational 
meeting, at the same time visiting the school and 
people of the place." 

October j, i86p. — " Met the Sabbath-school 
this morning. A heavy freshet and storm, how- 
ever, prevented a large attendance at the religious 
services." 

October 4, i86p. — " Visited and made a thor- 
ough inspection of the school. At night held 
another large and interesting meeting." 

October 3, 1869.—" Started for Wolf's Trap 
Station, but could not reach it by reason of the 
freshet." 

130 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

October 6, i86p. — " Succeeded in reaching the 
station, and from thence took the train to Clover 
Depot, where at night I held an educational meet- 
ing." 

October j, i86p. — " From Clover took train for 
Richmond, and reported at R. M. Manly's office." 

October 8, i86g. — " Returned to Christians- 
burg via Lynchburg." 

The above are mere memoranda of a single tour 
of inspection. They give no hint of the fatigue, 
hardship, and self-denial involved in their prose- 
cution. They might be greatly multiplied, but 
space will not permit further details of this impor- 
tant work. It was carried on with unabated vigor, 
until the discontinuance of the entire operations of 
the Educational Department of the Bureau, June 
30, 1870, when his services were dispensed with. 
Meanwhile he had accepted reappointment as 
Superintendent of certain of its schools under the 
Friends' Freedmen's Association of Philadelphia. 



131 



CHAPTER IX. 

On the summit of a mountain near Christians- 
burg, Va., in the heart of the Alleghany range, 
known as Zion's Hill, — a name given it by Cap- 
tain Schaeffer, — overlooking a wide extent of 
mountains and valleys that fade away in delicate 
purples and blues in the misty distance, composing 
a landscape of exquisite beauty, stand the spacious 
buildings of the Christiansburg Industrial Insti- 
tute and the Memorial Baptist Church. In this 
chapter the history of the former is narrated. 

On establishing his head-quarters at Christians- 
burg as an officer of the Freedman's Bureau, the 
prevailing destitution here, as elsewhere, appealed 
to Captain Schaeffer's sympathies. The county- 
seat of Montgomery County, it was at once a place 
of importance in itself, and a strategic centre from 
which the surrounding country might be reached 
in an educational and religious campaign. Soon 
after his arrival, in May, 1866, while on detached 
duty, a room was rented, and, starting with a few 
pupils, a school was organized whose history has 
been one of uninterrupted prosperity. Of course, 
the instruction imparted at this period was of the 
most elementary kind, and continued so for some 
time; the promise, however, from the beginning 
gave good grounds for encouragement as to the 

132 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

capacity of these children of slavery for receiving 
knowledge. 

At first a single white teacher from the North 
was employed and the school grew apace, so that 
the restricted limits of the rented log cabin soon 
became inadequate to accommodate the eager 
learners. 

It must be confessed that this work was not car- 
ried on without opposition. The white people were 
greatly embittered against him, and persistently 
misunderstood his motives and intentions. On one 
occasion, not long after the opening of head-quar- 
ters, as he was leaving his office and had just 
turned the corner of the street, a shot was fired 
at him barely escaping his head, coming so close, 
indeed, that the motion of the bullet was distinctly 
felt as it passed through his hat. His office was 
then moved to the hotel where he boarded. This 
attempt at assassination was followed by threats 
of the mob to burn the hotel to the ground if he 
did not leave. The proprietor was friendly, but 
said he must go, as he feared to risk his property. 
Captain Schaeffer had found it impossible to pur- 
chase land and building materials. Self-interest 
was ignored in political and personal antipathy, 
in dislike of the man and his supposed aims. He 

intimated to his host, Mr. W , that if he would 

buy a tract of land for him, as no one would sell 
to him personally, he would erect a building him- 
self. This Mr. W consented to do, and thus 

133 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Zion's Hill was bought. Here Captain Schaeffer 
erected a small but good stone building, known as 
the " Parsonage," and the church and school build- 
ing referred to below, with materials purchased 
for him by two or three colored friends. This 
church and school building was put up in 1867, 
chiefly at his expense. It was jointly used by the 
colored Baptists for a meeting-house and for 
school purposes. It was a substantial frame struc- 
ture and cost fourteen hundred dollars. In 1869 
an addition was built to it which cost one thousand 
dollars. 

At this period the interest in the freedmen 
throughout the North was general, and but little 
difficulty was experienced in securing funds to 
ameliorate their condition. From various sources 
aid was freely contributed for the support of this 
school. Much care also was exercised in the choice 
of teachers, so that its standing in the community 
was high. In addition to the general supervision 
he gave it, and the not infrequent assistance ren- 
dered as instructor. Captain Schaeffer's concern 
for the cause and his unselfish liberality found ex- 
pression in the execution of a deed of trust, con- 
veying the building described above and the 
ground on which it stood, including a large plot 
for a cemetery, to a Board of Trustees for the use 
of the church and school forever. 

Of this transaction the following is recorded in 
the " Diary :" 

134 



i 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

October 26, 1868. — "Deeded to a Board of 
Trustees as follows, — Minnis Headen, Norville 
Curtis, Jacob Seldom, Samuel Hayden, William 
Curtis, Henry Brown, Carrington Vaughn, and 
Gabriel Farron, — the school and church property, 
to be held by them in trust for the purposes therein 
stated and specified, and to their successors for- 
ever." 

These were all colored men, ex-slaves, in whose 
integrity he had implicit confidence. He was of 
the opinion that the true method of teaching the 
colored man self-reliance and self-respect, where 
there was a basis of character for honesty and in- 
tegrity to recommend him, was to place him in po- 
sitions where ability and enterprise would be put 
to the test, and he rarely had reason to repent this 
course. 

As time went on the scope of the institution was 
widened and more advanced studies were intro- 
duced. Students attended from long distances, 
supporting themselves as they best could, either 
supplying their own board or obtaining such ac- 
commodations as might be had in the poor cabins 
in the neighborhood. In cases not a few they 
availed themselves gratuitously of the bounty of 
Captain Schaeffer's own table. So eager, indeed, 
were pupils to obtain the advantages offered that 
the building became inconveniently crowded. It 
was also lacking in appliances for the most effective 

135 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

teaching. Profoundly concerned for the progress 
of the school, and to obviate the difficulties sug- 
gested, he decided to build a larger and more suit- 
able structure. 

To raise funds for this object, which lay so near 
his heart, a project was engaged in which involved 
much time, labor, and anxiety, and which, unfor- 
tunately, failed to meet his expectations. 

Organizing a chorus of singers, which he named 
the " Virginia Singers," after the manner of the 
" Fiske Singers," who had made a successful tour 
of the country and raised large sums for the 
Fiske University, concerts were given in Washing- 
ton, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other places. 
Unlike them, however, — cultivated musicians, who 
rendered their music decked out in all the niceties 
of toilet and costume in vogue in polite society, — 
they appeared before their audiences in the ordi- 
nary dress of the cabin and plantation, the women 
scrupulously neat, indeed, but clad in calico gowns, 
white aprons, and gay turbans, and the men in the 
dress of every-day life. They sang their peculiar 
melodies with marked pathos and effect, and with 
characteristic naturalness and abandon that pleased 
their hearers. But while they were well received 
and excited no little interest, the undertaking was 
not financially successful, and at its conclusion left 
its originator a loser by a considerable sum. 

In no wise daunted, however, in 1873-74, with- 
out assistance from any source, and entirely at his 

136 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

own expense, a large two-story structure was 
erected at a cost of two thousand dollars, fully 
equipped with all the necessary appliances, the use 
of which was given to the school free of rent, in- 
terest, or charges of any kind until the completion 
of the brick school-house in 1885, when it was 
vacated. 

The school was now in a flourishing condition. 
Besides the hundreds who had been and were re- 
ceiving primary instruction, numbers of pupils 
were making preparation for entrance into higher 
institutions of learning. The average attendance 
at this time and for many years was in excess of 
two hundred and fifty pupils annually of all grades. 
Captain Schaeffer was particular in his choice of 
men for advanced training, not only as to mental 
capacity, but likewise as to moral character. 
Sound moral principles were strenuously incul- 
cated, and the religious bearing of the students 
received careful attention. Entirely non-sectarian 
in its management, no constraint whatever was put 
upon conscience, yet many who came to the school 
quite unconcerned in regard to spiritual things 
were led to trust in Jesus Christ, and were baptized 
into the fellowship of the church, whose meeting- 
house stood on the hill hard by. Graduating from 
an environment so conducive to the elevation of 
character, it is not strange that those entering 
higher institutions of learning from the Christians- 
burg Institute were favorably received. More- 

137 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

over, Captain Schaeffer so impressed his person- 
ality upon the graduates as in many instances to 
produce a marked effect for good upon their sub- 
sequent lives and work. 

Entering from this school Wayland Seminary, 
Howard University, Richmond Institute, Shaw 
University, etc., and graduating therefrom, many 
of them are filling posts of trust, influence, and 
honor and living useful lives all over the United 
States, as ministers of the gospel, physicians, 
teachers, private citizens, and as missionaries to 
their own race in Africa. 

The subjoined extract from the pen of Mrs. 
Mimber, correspondent of the Freedman's Friend, 
the organ of the Friends' Freedmen's Association, 
is worthy attention : 

" The Christiansburg Mission. 

" nth mo. 19, 1874. — Riding up from Tennessee on the 
train through the passes of the Alleghanies, by mountain 
scenery in beautiful and ever-changing vistas and past sta- 
tions whose names were familiar as connected with the 
work of the Association, Wytheville, Vicar's Switch, and 
beyond. Big Springs, Alleghany Springs, etc., we arrived at 
Christiansburg at nightfall. 

" ' Beautiful for situation' are the mission-house and 
school building, set on a hill commanding extensive views, 
the horizon bounded on all sides by mountains, and nearer, 
fair large fields of wheat and corn, the railroad winding at 
the foot of the hills, the white houses and spires of Chris- 
tiansburg about a mile distant. 

" When the lamps in the neat little meeting-house are lit 
they shine like beacon lights, visible for two or three miles, 

138 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

seeming to invite the colored people to assemble together 
there, and to the signal they respond, coming over the rough, 
muddy roads cheerfully to attend the meetings. 

" Christiansburg, lying oflf the usual route, has only once 
been visited, like the other schools, by members of the 
Committee, and v^^e were warmly welcomed. 

" The surroundings and interior of the Mission-House are 
as neat and attractive as if it were a home in Germantown. 
Tanned walks, a yard laid out with flower-beds and well- 
kept turf, greeted our unaccustomed eyes. But better than 
the cordial reception or the pleasing indications of taste and 
refinement was the assurance which we felt on entering, 
and were strengthened in during our stay, that in this 
household, as in that at Danville, the Lord was loved and 
honored, and that the band of workers so intimately asso- 
ciated here looked to Him for the daily strength and wis- 
dom essential in their work. 

" nth mo. 20th. — The Primary Department in two divi- 
sions occupies the meeting-house. In the first we found 
eighty little folks assembled. Their concert exercises on 
the charts were wondrous to listen to. The teacher's quick- 
pointing stick seemed hardly able to keep pace with their 
tongues as they spelled out the words and sentences. With 
everything she has in the shape of a chart they have be- 
come familiar, and she too needs a new set of them for 
her bright little company. 

" In the next room thirty more-advanced scholars were 
assembled. This teacher has an excellent system, patiently 
insisting upon thoroughness. Her classes in geography 
and mental arithmetic recited admirably. 

" Afterwards we walked through a lane back of the house 
to the new Normal School house, suitable and comfortable. 
Here also are two divisions of the department. In the 
first room we listened to recitations in natural philosophy; 
the students give the reasons of things in their own words, 
evincing a clear understanding of them. 

" In the next and highest room we were struck with the 
serious, earnest deportment of the pupils, not children at 
school, but young men and women studying with a purpose. 

139 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Most of them have to work hard to pay their board while 
attending school, and they value the privilege accordingly. 
We were told that fifty more would gladly come if they 
could be accommodated." 

The colored population in the section of Vir- 
ginia under consideration had been gradually ad- 
vancing in intelligence and material prosperity and 
in a more elevated Christian manhood and woman- 
hood. Moreover, they esteemed their educational 
privileges beyond all price and used them to the 
best advantage. A demand existed for better 
school facilities and more liberal grades of teach- 
ing. Always in the advance, Captain Schaeffer 
was in full sympathy with this felt want. With 
his accustomed energy and enthusiasm, he at once 
set about interesting friends in the North in the 
project and in securing the necessary funds. He 
appreciated the difficulties of the undertaking, as 
he had but recently carried to completion an ex- 
tensive building operation for the church, and in 
the lapse of years zeal for the welfare of the freed- 
men had somewhat flagged; but relying on the 
Lord, who he declared in all the past had never 
forsaken him, he believed it possible to press the 
enterprise to a successful issue. Donating a tract 
of ground consisting of a few acres, which, with 
the building to be erected thereon, was deeded to a 
Board of Trustees and their successors forever, 
building operations were begun. Fortified with a 
few hundred dollars in hand, the promise of aid 

140 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

from the Friends' Freedmen's Association, and 
above all, as has been said, in firm reliance on God, 
but not seldom at the cost of bitter heart-ache and 
hard struggle, the work progressed. 

The subjoined letter to the secretary of the 
Friends' Freedmen's Association is characteristic. 
The italics are Captain Schaefifer's : 

" Christiansburg, Va., February 13, 1885. 

" Dear Friend, E. M. Wistar : — Your favor received. 
Our kind Heavenly Father knows how much we need our 
school building, and I am sure He will open the way for 
us. I have been in many straits and under sore pressure, 
but He has always brought me through, and with the ex- 
perience of the past how can I distrust Him in this? True, 
sometimes it has been dark as midnight, but when light came 
it chased the darkness all away. The prospect does not 
seem so bright as we could wish if we had the choosing, 
yet it is well in our Father's care, for if we did not ' sow 
in tears we should not reap in joy.' If it were a matter of 
individual gratification or personal aggrandizement, I might 
hesitate in pushing it forward, but when it is to honor my 
great Head in lifting up this low-down people, there is no 
other course to pursue. 

" We have waited too long already — the Lord forgive us. 
Please tell the Board to aid us all they can, and we will 
struggle through. In one way or other the Lord will pro- 
vide. But oh, what an avenue is open to some of the Lord's 
servants who have the means to gain a large percentage 
with no losses ! For ' inasmuch as ye have done it unto 
one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it 
unto me.' For where can you find a people lower down 
than these thousands whom I serve, or who are more trust- 
ingly looking to the Lord for help? 

" Further, we have gone too far to even hesitate in the 
matter. A large portion of the material is on the ground, 
and the entire quantity of brick needed is either here, on the 

141 



I 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

way, or being loaded. Contracts have been made for dig- 
ging out the cellar and putting in the foundation walls and 
for framing timbers, etc. I feel confident you could not say 
to us reverse all this ; but within the heart of hearts there 
must be satisfaction that so much has been attained. True, 
there is only the amount, or a little over, as you state, in my 
hands for the purpose, nine hundred and twenty-four dollars 
and ninety-seven cents, of which a goodly portion has been 
paid out necessarily already; but adding the amount you 
can aid us with by 4 mo., '85, will leave only a small balance 
comparatively to put the building in a state of protection 
from the weather. This can be met, if in no other way, 
by a loan in an amount sufficient to cover it ; but we hope 
the Lord will open some heart to give it. 

" I have tried to give you a full, clear statement right 
from my heart, and trusting it may meet approval, 
" I am truly thy friend, 

" Charles S. Schaeffer." 

At the risk of trespassing upon the reader's 

patience, we note the following- extracts from a 

circular letter issued by the Friends' Freedmen's 

Association : 

" The Christiansburg Building. 

" The school at Christiansburg is a very interesting in- 
stitution, and is under the care of Charles S. Schaeffer, who 
was an officer in the volunteer army, but in 1865 was trans- 
ferred to the Freedmen's Bureau, ordered to Christiansburg, 
and has since been devoted to the education and evangeliza- 
tion of the colored people. He has had oversight of schools 
for the Association, and has been the means (directly and 
indirectly) of the organization of one hundred and twenty- 
three Christian congregations, with over eleven thousand 
members. He has taught the people industry, thrift, up- 
rightness, abstinence from alcoholic drinks and tobacco, and 
every virtue The school has most favorable rela- 
tions with these one hundred and twenty-three congrega- 

142 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

tions, is situated in the midst of a beautiful country, which 
is becoming the seat of business and manufacturing ac- 
tivity, and it will be a model for the whole region. 

" The school is a graded one and will also train teachers, 
the most important work in which the Association can en- 
gage, as thereby knowledge and Christianity are widely dif- 
fused. 

" C. S. Schaeffer took care to use great economy in his 
buildings, and has pledged his own property for the excess 
of cost over the first estimates Of the forty-five hun- 
dred dollars due twenty-five hundred dollars should be 
raised within a few months, and the remainder next year. 
" On behalf of the Executive Committee, 

" James E. Rhoads, 
" Henry Harts horne, 
" Francis Cope Haines. 
" Philadelphia, First mo. 20, 1886." 

Through Captain Schaeffer's consecrated effort 
and abiding faith in God, the building was at last 
finished at a cost of eight thousand seven hundred 
and forty-seven dollars and fifty-one cents, of 
which amount he had personally gathered or 
given four thousand four hundred and thirty-four 
dollars and twenty-seven cents, in addition to the 
gratuity of the land. To him also belongs the 
credit of having furnished it free of cost. That 
he might bring this cherished object to pass, he 
had not only undergone much labor and anxiety, 
but also advanced large sums of money without 
interest, superintended the entire work without 
pay, and stood responsible for the last cent in the 
whole transaction. It was, therefore, with a 
sense of relief that he rejoiced in its completion. 

143 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Up to this time the school had been carried on 
at the exceedingly small average annual cost of 
nine hundred and fifty dollars, with school privi- 
leges ranging from seven to ten months. There 
was no charge for tuition. 

For a number of years the contributions from 
the sources named for the support of the school 
had been supplemented by an annual appropriation 
from the county funds, and on two occasions help 
was received from the Peabody Fund. To conduct 
the work at so small an outlay was rendered pos- 
sible by the fact that Mrs. Schaeffer served as 
teacher without salary, and Captain Schaeffer gave 
without remuneration his personal superinten- 
dence, the free use of his hired help and team in 
caring for the grounds and buildings, in hauling 
coal from the mines, and in ways too numerous to 
mention saved the school fund from expense. 

The institution was now well equipped and was 
regarded as a model. Its beneficent work went on 
with unabated vigor. Later on attempts were 
made in a tentative way to take up industrial train- 
ing. Cookery, dress-making, carpentry, and agri- 
culture received some attention, but without 
marked success. While not averse to the introduc- 
tion of the industrial arts into the curriculum, he 
regarded the movement as conducted a practical 
failure, — " merely a name, and not a fact." The 
principal placed in charge by the Friends' Freed- 

men's Association he believed incompetent, if not 

144 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

worse. He refused to prefer specific charges 
against him for reasons which to himself seemed 
satisfactory. He felt that his known interest in 
the cause and the personal and pecuniary sacrifices 
he had made for it entitled his opinion to more 
than ordinary consideration. That he did not con- 
ceal his alarm or fail to express his views the fol- 
lowing shows : 

" As regards the school, where is its boasted 
prosperity? Where are the signs of advancement, 
either in the General Department or in the Indus- 
trial School? What has been achieved? Your 
servant has looked hopefully and waited patiently 
for even signs of improvement, but sees nothing 
but a retrograde movement. Where are the board- 
ing scholars of other years, and the bright scholar- 
ship which has gone forth to elevate the people ?" 

At this crisis Captain SchaefFer was so pro- 
foundly concerned for the welfare of that which 
had constituted no small portion of his life work, 
that he endeavored to obtain for a money consider- 
ation a transfer of the property to the Trustees of 
the Valley Baptist Association of Virginia. He 
well knew its value as an adjunct to the cause of 
Christ, and desired if possible to retain it to that 
end, but his offer was declined. The strained re- 
lationship, however, finally culminated in his with- 
drawal from the superintendency, though he re- 
tained his seat as a trustee. 

The school now became known as The Chris- 

10 145 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

tiansburg Industrial Institute. Matters going 
from bad to worse, in 1895 Mr. Booker T. Wash- 
ington was requested to take the supervision of the 
work, especially with a view to organizing an In- 
dustrial Department. That Captain Schaeffer's 
views were correct as to the character of the prin- 
cipal, and that his expressions of alarm were jus- 
tified, the subjoined statement, taken from the col- 
umns of the Helper, the organ of the Christians- 
burg Industrial Institute, under date of April 19, 
1898, distinctly declares: 

" When the present facuhy took charge of the work three 
years ago (1895) this school was an Industrial Institute 
only in name. A record of the school was misplaced and 
has not been found even to this day. The industrial depart- 
ments then were carpentry, agriculture, sewing, and cook- 
ing. An inventory taken then shows that the property of 
the carpenter-shop was four hand-saws, and a number of 
bits, planes, chisels, and the like of the poorest materials. 

" For agriculture, there were no tools of any kmd, neither 
hoe, rake, spade, nor shovel. For sewing, there were a 
dozen work-bags, several thimbles, and a few needles. For 
cooking, there were many needed and useful utensils, and 
all that would be necessary to give a class of girls their 
first lesson in cooking. The valuation of all the shops did 
not exceed seventy-five dollars. 

" To-day we are successfully operating seven industries, 
— namely, cooking, sewing, carpentry, wheelwrighting, black- 
smithing, agriculture, and printing. All of these depart- 
ments are in active operation every day from 1.40 to 4.30 
P.M. One thousand dollars will not more than cover the 
valuation of tools and materials belonging to the several 
shops. As to what is being done in these shops day after 
day, one has but to visit our school on Industrial Day in 
April of each year and see for himself. 

146 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" It is to be hoped that the influence of the school may be 
found helpful to all who come in contact with it. Here 
special emphasis is placed upon industrial work. We aim 
to teach what our people are going to need for a livelihood 
in the world. We are yet simple bread-winners, and in no 
respect can we afford to have our schooling touch any- 
thing which is not substantial in character." 

Within a few months a farm consisting of about 
one hundred acres has been purchased, where it 
is intended that agriculture shall be taught prac- 
tically. If the arts enumerated above, and others, 
in this and similar schools are taught in a thor- 
oughly practical way, so as to render the graduates 
masters of their crafts, and not mere smatterers of 
them, it will prove of incalculable benefit. This, 
with such scholastic training as can be had in ad- 
dition, will solve the race problem to the advan- 
tage of the colored man and of the country at 
large. It is to be feared, however, that much of 
the so-called industrial training is a misnomer. 

If the future success of the Christiansburg In- 
dustrial Institute along the lines of this new de- 
parture is in anywise commensurate with its great 
usefulness in other directions in former years, it 
will but perpetuate the memory and work of one 
whose labor and self-sacrifice made such result 
possible. 



147 



CHAPTER X. 

A MITIGATING circumstance in connection with 
African slavery was the bringing of the negro 
from absolute savagery in contact with Christi- 
anity. It rendered his enslavement tolerable, and 
fitted him in some degree for freedom when it 
came. It enabled him, too, to bear his sorrows 
with fortitude if not with cheerfulness, and taught 
him patience under burdens sometimes almost too 
heavy to be borne. In the night of his narrow 
life of servitude, his vivid but uncultured imagina- 
tion was filled with visions of the glorious dawn- 
ing of a better day. With a pathos which cannot 
be described, he sang in a minor key those songs 
of hope and promise which cheered him by the 
way. Robbed of his liberty, his rights, and his 
manhood, much could not be expected of him. 
His moral sense was necessarily low. Unable to 
read, his knowledge of the Word of God, as of 
everything else excepting the mere routine of his 
daily toil, was exceedingly limited. What little 
he knew of religion was distorted and out of re- 
lation with high moral purpose or a pure spiritual 
life. With the marriage bond, also, almost utterly 
disregarded, and the ties of kinship likely at any 
time to be rudely ruptured, it was hardly to be ex- 
pected that in him natural affection should find its 
highest exemplification. Furnished only with 

148 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

coarse food, rough clothing, and the shelter of a 
poor cabin in exchange for a life of compulsory 
labor, debarred all hope of advancement or personal 
acquisitions, it is not strange that at times he 
found it difificult to observe fine distinctions be- 
tween " mine and thine." 

In certain districts of the South at the close of 
the Civil War, especially on the great cotton and 
sugar plantations of the Southwest, the religion of 
the negroes was little better than the fetich worship 
of the Congo or the Guinea coast, with scarcely 
a trace of Christianity. In many other places, 
where they had been brought under the influence 
of the white ministry, or where some plantation 
preacher called of God and taught by His Spirit 
led the people, there were numbers of simple- 
minded, earnest-hearted followers of Jesus, whose 
knowledge, indeed, was scanty, but who knew God 
and loved the Saviour, and whose lives were an 
example and a benediction. 

It is true that their religious meetings at the 
time of which we write, even in the most enlight- 
ened sections, were a singular medley of the devo- 
tional and the grotesque. They were literally, for 
the most part, religious orgies, if the term may 
be used with propriety, in which prayers and 
praises, leapings and contortions, songs and shout- 
ings, groans and tears, and bodily exercises sur- 
prising to witness, were indulged in to the full, 
yet withal there was much vital religion in them. 

149 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Beginning gradually and continuing with increas- 
ing fervor and confusion, the exercises went on 
growing in intensity and excitement, until from 
sheer exhaustion the " happy" participants were 
compelled to desist. It was not infrequent for at 
sister or two to become hysterical or to fall in a 
faint, the effect of which is better imagined than 
described, as they were being " brought to." These 
scenes usually occurred when some one had " got 
religion;" sometimes they were mere exhibitions 
of overpowering religious frenzy. Commonly the 
meetings were conducted in this fashion. We 
write of a period a short time subsequent to the 
Civil War. 

Our meeting-house is a rude log-cabin. On 
either side the white-washed interior, whose unin- 
viting walls are without ornament, stand rows of 
benches divided by a narrow passage, separating 
the men from the women. At one end a table and 
chair, or possibly, if the place be more pretentious, 
a raised platform and desk. The small room is 
crowded to the limit of its capacity. An interest- 
ing group, from the babe in arms to the gray- 
haired sire and aged " mother in Israel," is there, 
the women clad in calico gowns and the inevitable 
turban or sun-bonnet, and those particularly neat 
of habit in aprons white as snow. The house-ser- 
vants, by their better dress and " smart" appear- 
ance, are easily distinguishable from the rougher- 
dressed and less polished field-hands, showing that 

150 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

even among ex-slaves nice social distinctions ob- 
tain. 

The leader, most likely a venerable white-haired 
patriarch, whom the people love and revere, is 
about to open the meeting. He begins by " lining 
out" a familiar hymn. There is no need of books, 
for not one of them can read. A brother in the 
congregation, in strong, commanding tones, and 
with modulations of voice indescribable, sings 
through the solo part, the whole company joining 
in the chorus till the room rings with the melody : 

" Ride on, Jesus. 
Solo. 
" God sets high, but He looks down low, 
Ride on, Jesus, ride on ; 
He sees what His people have to undergo, 
Ride on, Jesus, ride on. 

Chorus. 
" You can't fool God, but you can fool me, 
Ride on, Jesus, ride on; 
The things I miss God Almighty can see, 
Ride on, Jesus, ride on, my Lord. 
Ride on, Jesus, ride on. 

Solo. 

" The Jews and Romans in one band. 
They crucified the Son of Man ; 
Pilate said when he washed his hands, 
I find no fault with this just man. 

Chorus. 

" You can't fool God, but you can fool me, etc. 

151 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Solo. 

" Go away, Satan, don't come any more, 
I never mean to serve you as I did before. 
I wish that Satan would keep still, 
And let me do my Master's will. 

Chorus. 
" You can't fool God, but you can fool me, etc. 

Solo. 
" I draw my rations from on high 
And I know they'll last me till I die. 
Farewell, vain world, I'm going home. 
My Jesus smiles and bids me come. 

Chorus. 
" You can't fool God, but you can fool me, etc." 

By this time the meeting has warmed to its 
work. With their superb natural voices, unac- 
companied by instruments of any kind, the music 
is inspiring and all catch the contagion. There is 
a harmonious blending of parts ; here a deep bass 
whose tones steady the singers; there a tenor 
whose notes soar like a lark's, and lift you into 
sympathy with their tender pathos ; meanwhile the 
feet are marking time to the rhythm of the melody. 
There is about it all a weirdness, a modulation of 
tone, a minor key, suggestive of the songs Judah 
voiced as they sat themselves down in exile by the 
rivers of Babylon. It is the soul-language of the 
slave. Two or three songs more are produced in 
this way, and then some old saint will fall on his 

152 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

knees, and with a tenderness and humility of ut- 
terance inexpressible, excepting by one who knows 
the " secret of the Lord," talk with God in a 
wealth of crude imagery and picturesqueness of 
expression that causes one to wonder, and to feel 
sure that this old pilgrim, if indeed ignorant of 
books, possesses a spiritual knowledge that any 
one might well covet. Or a woman, whose face 
has not escaped the deep lines furrowed by many 
a bitter experience, tells her Saviour her story in 
the simple, childlike language of a trust, which 
puts to the blush the faith of many of her more 
favored sisters. Prayer and singing continue. At 
this stage of the meeting, perhaps, experiences are 
in order. Now we may expect the most startling 
and extraordinary things to be said, — revelations, 
visions, dreams, wonderful manifestations wit- 
nessed and experienced when under conviction of 
sin or at the time of conversion. One rises whose 
husband, a notoriously wicked man, has just died. 
She tells the meeting that she has had a dreadful 
dream. In her dream, she says, " she saw the 
door of hell wide open, and within, clad in a linen 
duster, she could see her husband with a palm-leaf 
fan in his hand fanning himself vigorously, and 
all the time exclaiming, as if overcome with the 
fervent heat, ' Whew ! Whew ! Whew !' " That 
dream, for her and many of her hearers, settled 
the husband's destiny forever. It was a revelation 
from the Lord. To those untutored and supersti- 

153 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

tious minds such grotesque stories were sometimes 
very real. 

In the midst of these testimonies another chorus 
is sung, and as it proceeds from all parts of the 
room, sometimes in the deep tones of the men, 
sometimes in the high-keyed voices of the women, 
exclamations of gratitude and praise sound out 
strong and clear above the general volume of 
sound: " Glory to God !" " Praise the Lord !" 
" Hallelujah !" " Hallelujah !" " Blessed Jesus !" 

" O my soul !" " M !" representing a guttural 

sound, as if the ecstasy of bliss were unutterable. 
And now the spiritual temperature has risen to 
the boiling-point. 

The excitement having temporarily subsided, 
the leader announces his text. There is likely very 
little relation between the text and the subject- 
matter of the discourse. It is not a sermon, judged 
by any technical standard, but it is full of sound 
advice and wholesome instruction for believers 
concerning the practical duties of daily life, and 
bristles with motives to sinners to " turn to the 
Lord." Hell and judgment, the certainty of death, 
are urged as reasons why the hearer should repent 
and believe in Jesus. " Mourners" are now invited 
to the " anxious bench." Amid singing and words 
of encouragement, one and another and another 
come forward and take seats with those who are 
" seeking religion." 



154 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

And now the tense feeling and suppressed ex- 
citement again break out in song : 

" The Old-Time Religion. 

I. — " It is good for the mourner, 
It is good for the mourner, 
It is good for the mourner. 
And it's good enough for me. 

This old-time religion, 

This old-time religion. 

This old-time religion. 



-" It's good when in trouble. 
— " It's good to make you happy. 

" It makes you love the brethren. 
— " 'Twill be good when I'm dying. 
— " Good when the world's on fire. 
— " Oh, ain't you glad you've got it," etc., etc. 



There are mighty wrestlings, groanings, shout- 
ings, and ejaculatory prayers as in the noise and 
confusion one and another profess to have become 
" happy in the Lord." 

The hour is late, — these people have a habit of 
forgetting the passage of time and of abandoning 
themselves to the interests of the hour, — the ex- 
citement begins to abate; in a little while the 
meeting is dismissed, and they proceed to such 
rude cabins as they call home, not seldom two or 
three miles away. 

155 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

In the midst of such conditions as we have just 
tried to describe Captain Schaeffer found himself. 
Profoundly stirred by the appalling ignorance and 
superstition, and actuated by the same motives that 
had prompted his endeavors for the obscure and 
neglected poor when at home, he immediately be- 
gan, in connection with other duties, the holding 
of services for prayer and religious instruction in 
the cabins of the freed people in the vicinity of 
Christiansburg. 

The special aptitude for this work, acquired by 
years of experience among the colored people of 
Philadelphia, stood him in good stead. He was 
now entering on the mission for which the Lord 
by a series of special providences had been pre- 
paring him. His relations to the General Govern- 
ment, as an officer commissioned for their particu- 
lar benefit, immediately gave him standing among 
the freed people. To reveal the unselfishness of 
his purpose, establish himself in their confidence, 
and win their affection was not difficult. The 
simple fact of stooping to their lowliness and 
caring for their needs lent power to his ministry. 

As Military Commissioner and Officer of Regis- 
tration he had discovered, in taking the census, 
thirty persons who professed to hold the views of 
Baptists. They were of several shades of opinion 
as to doctrines, but were at one as to the main 
question. They had all been immersed, and at one 
period members of some branch of the Baptist de- 

156 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

nomination. Scattered abroad by the exigencies 
of the war in places more or less remote from 
Christiansburg, they were without organization 
or any form of church life, and what to do with 
them became to him a question of much concern. 
After seeking advice from his pastor, Rev. J. Spen- 
cer Kennard, and others, it was deemed wise to 
proceed with the constitution of a Baptist church. 
Two brethren, missionaries of the American Bap- 
tist Home Mission Society, assisted in the organi- 
zation. Their help was of value, as Captain 
Schaeffer was not even a licensed preacher. The 
following letter to the Rev. J. Spencer Kennard, 
pastor of the Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, 
is of interest as minutely describing the constitu- 
tion of this church and the beginning of a work 
so fraught with blessing to thousands : 

" Christiansburg, Va., October 14, 1867. 
"Rev. J. Spencer Kennard. 

" Dear Pastor : — Your very welcome letter of the 25th 
ultimo came direct to hand. Also the hymn-books, Com- 
munion service, etc. In return I cannot express to you my 
gratitude. My heart is too full. I can only say, God bless 
you all ! 

" The Christiansburg African Baptist Church sends greet- 
ings to the young men of the Tenth Church, yourself, and 
all interested in their welfare, with many thanks for those 
tokens of kind remembrance. 

" On Friday morning, October 4th, my little band of disci- 
ples, thirty in number, were constituted into a regular Baptist 
church by the following brethren as council : Brethren Cor- 
ron and Davis, missionaries of the American Baptist Home 
Mission Society ; Brethren Jones and Rose, colored preachers, 

157 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and three colored deacons from the Fincastle African Bap- 
tist Church, with your brother from the Tenth Baptist 
Church, who was appointed clerk. It would have done 
your soul good to join with us in those impressive services. 
At the close thanksgiving and praise were offered to God 
for His wonderful goodness and mercy in permitting this 
little band of disciples to rear a standard for Jesus. On 
Saturday we had preaching by Brother Davis in the morn- 
ing, experience or conference meeting in the afternoon, 
followed by a sermon in the evening by Brother Jones. 
You may know the character of these exercises when I 
inform you that great grace rested upon us, and the re- 
freshing influence of the Holy Spirit pervaded all hearts. 
At the close of the evening service nine happy converts of- 
fered themselves for baptism and membership with the 
church, while many, as on the day of Pentecost, being 
' pricked in the heart,' cried out ' Men and brethren, what 
must we do?' Seven brethren and sisters were also added 
to our little band, who for a long time have been ' scattered 
as sheep having no shepherd.' 

" Sunday was a great day, when we experienced showers 
of heavenly blessing. In the morning, as superintendent, 
I organized a Sabbath-school of one hundred and fifty 
scholars. I felt the Lord to be with me, and found the chil- 
dren deeply interested in the work about to be inaugurated 
among them. 

" At the close of the school a large congregation as- 
sembled to join in the services of dedicating our house of 
worship. 

" After these services a procession was formed, headed 
by the ministry and followed by the church, her happy con- 
verts. Christians of other denominations, and non-profes- 
sors. The column was formed four abreast, and numbered 
from five to six hundred men, women, and children. As 
they marched down to the water, a distance of about half 
a mile, they all united in singing the precious songs of Zion. 
And sweet melody mingled with praise and thanksgiving 
ascended to the Lord. On coming out of the water, we 
found a large collection of white citizens attracted thither 

158 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

to witness the baptism of those who had formerly been their 
slaves. On account of the desirable location of the pool 
(a small body of water nearly surrounded by a gradual 
ascent of rocks, forming seats like an amphitheatre) there 
was no difficulty in accommodating all the people. Our 
missionary, Brother Corron, then preached to a large as- 
sembly, giving them our views of the ordinance of baptism, 
and urging upon them the importance of repentance to- 
wards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience 
to His holy requirements. At the close Brother Jones, one 
of the colored preachers, buried in baptism the nine happy 
converts, raising them again to walk, we trust, in newness 
of life. This was a beautiful scene, and to our joy nothing 
occurred to mar the sacred pleasure of the hour. On the 
conclusion of the service the colored people returned to 
the grove surrounding the meeting-house, where there was 
a general breaking of bread and distribution among those 
who had come from a distance. Later in the afternoon the 
right hand of fellowship was extended to the candidates, 
the church following the missionary in giving the hand and 
singing as they passed from one to another a precious hymn 
of welcome. This was followed by the Holy Communion. 
How rich and full with blessing the hour! In the evening 
the house was crowded to its utmost capacity, which has 
been the case every night since. Brother Jones preached a 
short sermon, followed by an invitation to come forward 
for prayer, when thirty complied, manifesting great con- 
cern for their souls' salvation. In answer to prayer, the 
Lord wrought among the people by His Holy Spirit, com- 
pelling hardened sinners to bow at the footstool of mercy. 
.... On Monday evening eight professed faith in Christ ; 
Tuesday evening, three ; Wednesday, three ; Thursday, nine ; 
Friday, thirteen ; Saturday, twelve ; Sunday morning, 

eight ; making a total of fifty-six 

" Sunday morning we felt encouraged in our Sunday- 
school work, the Lord being with us. At the hour of public 
worship the house was crowded in every part, with large 
numbers outside who could not obtain admission. At the 
conclusion of the services a procession was again formed 

159 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and proceeded to the water, where a large congregation of 
the citizens of the town and county had already assembled. 
After a few words by our missionary, the ordinance of bap- 
tism was administered to fifty-six persons, ' both men and 
women.' I am glad to state that no disturbance or any- 
thing to mar the sacred solemnity of the occasion was ex- 
perienced. At four o'clock the right hand of fellowship 
was extended to the candidates of the morning and to 
four persons received from other churches. In the evening 
we had a farewell meeting, the brethren and sisters who 
came to assist in the organization of the church not being 
able to longer tarry with us. On the invitation being given 
to those who had made up their minds to go with us and 
had experienced hope in Christ during the day to come for- 
ward, eighteen complied. Seventy others are on the way, 
besides a number who deeply feel the need of salvation but 
are resisting the Spirit. When the invitation was given for 
inquirers to come forward, it seemed as if half the con- 
gregation were pressing their way to the seats prepared for 
them. 

" As for myself, my heart is too full to give expression 
to what I have felt of the goodness and mercy of God to His 
unworthy servant. I can only sit at His feet and weep 
tears of gratitude and praise for His wonderful grace to 
perishing sinners 

" During the present week we complete plastering and 
painting our house of worship, expecting to have it ready to 
resume our meetings on Saturday. In the interval prayer- 
meetings will be held from cabin to cabin. On the first 
Sunday in November Brother Corron expects to return for 
the purpose of baptizing the converts and administering the 
Lord's Supper. 

" I should be much pleased if we could get soon a good 
colored pastor to take charge of this interest — one who is 
educated, and possessing the necessary qualifications to make 
a good servant of Jesus Christ. Until then we will use our 
unlettered talent. We also have some strong deacons, with 
some old ' mothers in Israel' who are * full of faith and of 
the Holy Ghost.' 

i6o 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" My three counties are open to the gospel, and many 
who have long followed the Saviour under the leadership 
of those who do not fully obey His teachings are now 
inquiring for the more perfect way. A great work is before 
us. May the Lord send us help in this our time of need. 
In conclusion, my prayer is that you may experience like 
blessings and see the work of the Lord prospering in your 
hands. With love to the church, 

" I remain yours in Christian fellowship, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 

Thus in about two weeks the little church had 
increased its membership to one hundred and nine, 
sixty-five of whom had been received by baptism 
and fourteen by letter from other churches, eigh- 
teen were awaiting baptism, and there were seventy 
anxious inquirers. 

The dedication of the house of worship referred 
to in the foregoing letter was of the building men- 
tioned in the previous chapter as having been 
erected for church and school purposes jointly. At 
the dedication it was not quite finished. It was 
occupied by the church for a number of years, 
where they were greatly multiplied and in a stale 
of continuous revival. 

A letter written at this time to his sister is 
worthy of insertion here, as showing how full his 
hands were of work, and how humbly he exulted 
in God in being made the instrument of His grace 
to others : 

" Christiansburg, Va., October 15, 1867. 
" Dear Sister Lizzie : — I enclose herewith a copy of a 
letter sent to my pastor detailing an account of what the 
II 161 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Lord has been doing among the people of my charge. You 
will doubtless rejoice with me in the gracious work of 
grace which has followed my labors, as will all my friends 
who feel an interest in the advancement of the Redeemer's 
kingdom. 

" I have sent a copy in order to save time, as it would 
take me longer to compose a letter than to copy it, and 
I am obliged under the pressure of my duties to be careful 
even of moments. I am busy day and night, and scarcely 
have time to eat or sleep. But it is in a good cause, and 
I could not spend and be spent in a better service. 

"I know you will rejoice with me notwithstanding your 
home sorrows, which I feel as keenly as yourself. But 
God rules above ; He will make everything right in the 
end if we will only trust Him. 

" My little band of disciples will join with me in praying 
God's blessing upon the loved ones at home. 

" I should like to write to many of my friends of the 
great things God has done for us ; but my heart and hands 
are more than full, and I must therefore forego the pleas- 
ure. 

" The tidings still continue to come to me of other souls 
born into the kingdom. At a prayer-meeting last night a 
number were converted, and throughout the past day the 
work has been going on. 

" Oh, praise the Lord with me and let us magnify His 
name together, for He has hearkened unto the voice of my 
prayers and made me an instrument of good among His 
people ; and yet not unto us, but unto Thy name, O Lord, 
we will give all the glory. 

" With much love, I remain, as ever, 

" Brother Charlie." 

This gracious work did not proceed unhindered. 
Allusion has been made to Captain Schaeffer's 
escape from the bullet of the assassin. And al- 
though nothing occurred at the scene of the bap- 
tisms " to mar the solemnity of the occasion," as 

162 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

he significantly observes, he was well aware of the 
latent opposition which existed, and was filled with 
apprehension lest some violent outbreak should 
take place. In the prevailing bitterness of feeling 
the whites seemed unable to appreciate the sin- 
cerity of his purpose and subjected his actions to 
the closest scrutiny. The better classes treated 
him with silent contempt and regarded him as a 
social outcast, while the ruder elements openly de- 
nounced him, reviled him with opprobrious epi- 
thets, and even warned him to leave the country, 
under penalty of being treated to a coat of tar and 
feathers. But he was not to be intimidated by 
threats of violence, and went steadfastly and cour- 
ageously forward in the mission God had com- 
mitted to his charge. 

Nor was the opposition merely personal. It ex- 
tended also to the little company of Christians 
under his leadership. As they came together for 
worship, a mob of whites, '' rude fellows of the 
baser sort," coming up from the town, would sur- 
round the meeting-house, and by shouts, ridicule, 
and threats to burn the building seek to disperse 
the assembly. The opposition finally became so 
alarming that the brethren, as a precautionary 
measure, brought their fire-arms to the place of 
worship and stacked them in a corner of the meet- 
ing-house during the service. It was not long, 
however, before Captain Schaeffer's manly courage 
and Christian bearing began to command the at- 

163 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

tention, if not the respect, of the community. A 
number of the leading white men, lawyers and 
others, came several times to the meetings and 
stood outside listening to the proceedings. Find- 
ing that their suspicions were without foundation, 
that instead of embittering the colored people 
against them, as they supposed, he was only trying 
to do them good, they were satisfied, and would 
not allow any further disturbance. 

For several years persecutions of this sort, to 
a greater or less degree, attended Captain Schaef- 
fer throughout his wide mission field. The feeling 
against him originated largely in the fact that he 
had wholly given himself to the welfare of the 
negro. 

As an officer of the Freedman's Bureau it would 
have been easy had he deemed it in accord with 
duty, to assume pleasant social relations with the 
whites. He would thus have been relieved of much 
that was unpleasant and trying in his situation. 
But he believed that close affiliation with those who 
had been the dominant race, however desirable in 
itself, might destroy the confidence which the 
blacks reposed in him and stand in the way of the 
largest usefulness towards those whom above all 
things he desired to help. 

At the risk, therefore, of being suspected and 
misrepresented, he associated almost exclusively 
with the colored people. Nor did he make any 
effort to pass the social barriers which his own acts 

164 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and a hard conventionalism placed round him. He 
bore insult and ill-usage with complacency; "be- 
ing reviled, he reviled not again," and made him- 
self the servant of the ex-slave for Jesus' sake. 
And when it became evident, as in the lapse of 
years it did, that his motives were purely disin- 
terested, that he gave time and substance for others 
wholly without thought of self or of earthly re- 
wards, it is not surprising to find that this man 
who humbled himself for others was now exalted, 
so that at the time of his death, both among the 
blacks and the whites, in the field of his labors and 
sacrifices no man held a higher place in the public 
esteem. 

To a man of his refined personal habits and nice 
taste in dress — accustomed as he had been to the 
comforts, not to say the elegancies, of life — close 
association with the negro at this period was not 
always pleasant. Making it a rule in his mission- 
ary tours to place himself on complete social 
equality with the colored people, he sought enter- 
tainment in their homes. It must not be forgotten 
that at the time of which we write they were very 
poor. Their log-cabins were mere shelters from 
the weather, sometimes having only one and rarely 
more than two rooms, and a rough, unplastered 
loft overhead ; adornment there was none ; furni- 
ture and bedding were of the scantiest, and often 
alive with vermin. A large fireplace at one end 
of the room built of rough stones supplied heat 

165 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and facilities for cooking; and if there was but 
one apartment, in it and the loft above the whole 
family lived, ate, and slept. There was neither 
privacy nor comfort. Not seldom the vermin were 
so aggressive that, driven from the bed, many a 
half-sleepless night was spent rolled up in his shawl 
on the floor, or reclining as best he could in a 
chair. As he came to know these places, — being 
forewarned, he was forearmed, — he carried a case 
of insect-powder, with which the bed was well 
dusted, or failing in this way to obtain relief when 
the attack was in great force and more than usu- 
ally vigorous, he drew a line of circumvallation 
with insect-powder on the floor, within which he 
encamped to the discomfiture of the enemy. He 
had reason to conclude, however, at times, that one 
or more of the attacking force, more sagacious or 
sanguinary than the rest, had outflanked him by 
crawling to the ceiling and dropping on the un- 
suspecting victim as he lay sleeping below. 

It was in the use of such witticisms that he was 
wont to make light of these experience; but none 
knew better than he how hard they were to bear. 

On the completion of the " parsonage" in the 
summer of 1868, to which building reference was 
had in a previous chapter. Captain Schaeffer re- 
moved thereto from his boarding-place, installing 
his sister. Miss Elizabeth Schaeffer, as house- 
keeper, who came from their home in German- 
town, Philadelphia, for that express purpose, he 

166 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

at that time being unmarried. As has been re- 
marked, the edifice, though small, was built in a 
very substantial manner of stone — one of the very 
few buildings at that time constructed of stone in 
that locality — as a precaution against incendiarism, 
— an action not improbable in view of the numer- 
ous threats made against him and the well-known 
hostility to his work. 

It was the writer's privilege to visit this beauti- 
ful spot a few years later. It then had attached to 
it a kitchen garden of some three acres, sloping 
gently to the south, in which the choicest vege- 
tables of all sorts were grown, a large part of 
which were distributed among the helpless poor 
for miles around. This garden was an object- 
lesson and an incentive to thrift to the colored 
people, many of whom obtained from him seeds 
for planting, which were sent to him in large quan- 
tities by friends in Philadelphia for gratuitous dis- 
pensation. Fruit-trees of choice varieties, apples, 
peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, etc., and an abun- 
dance of grapes and small fruits in full bearing, 
and a flower garden, fragrant and lovely, with 
rare plants not a few, attracted many visitors, for 
so fine a garden in those days was not common 
in that neighborhood. 

This house was occupied by Captain Schaeffer 
till within a few years of his death, and became a 
centre of spiritual and physical blessing to a wide 
region of country. 

167 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

At this point of the narrative the annexed letter 
to his Hfe-long friend, Mr. Elias L. Nicholas, who 
at this writing, at an advanced age, still lives to 
rejoice in his successful life and triumphant death, 
is of interest : 



" Christiansburg, Va., July I, 1868. 

" My dear Brother Nicholas : — I received your welcome 
letter of the 19th ultimo without delay of mail, but have been 
so very busy during the last few weeks that it has been im- 
possible to answer until the present. On Monday the closing 
examination of our school took place, and early this morning 
the teachers and friends from abroad started for their 
homes. My regret is that some of you could not have been 
present to see for yourselves what great things have been 
done during the last six months. 

" You and Brother S will please excuse M for call- 
ing on you for assistance to furnish the parsonage. She 
did not know that I had released my friends of the Tenth 
Church and Sunday-school from further efforts in my be- 
half or the work in which I am engaged. I now feel that 
the Lord has placed the burden on my own shoulders, and 
that I am called upon to take and bear it, notwithstanding 
how weighty it may appear. My heart is in it, however, 
and I shall go forward to spend and be spent in the service 
of my Lord and in behalf of this dear people. I am further 
resolved that should the Lord's hand direct me to remain 
and labor among the freedmen after the Bureau officers are 
withdrawn, that I am ready to follow His direction, though 
I be supplied only shelter and food. Should it appear that 
my work is accomplished among them, and God shall indi- 
cate for me to return home, I shall then do so. 

" While in the midst of care and unremitting labor, with 
persecutions on the one hand and the sneers and jeers of 
those who do not appreciate my work on the other, yet I 
have full confidence in my God, and can bless and praise 

168 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

His name forever that I am permitted to labor in behalf 
of a poor, oppressed, and despised people. 

" Only two weeks since fourteen more happy souls were 
added to the church at this place, while quite a number 
of converts are awaiting baptism. We also expect shortly 
to send a colony from the mother church to form a little 
interest of their own; the only thing in the way is ob- 
taining for them a place to worship in; but we are praying 
to the Lord to make the necessary provisions. As I have 
told you before, the fields are white already for the harvest, 
but the laborers are so few. Oh, do help us pray the Lord 
to send laborers into this harvest-field ! 

" I have it in my heart to say many things to you, but 
my time is so precious that I must leave off writing and go 
to work. I have just received a summons to go about two 
miles into the country to see a poor old colored woman in 
affliction and want. 

" Oh, I never had a greater desire to be rich than I have 
now, and yet I do not crave it, for if the Lord had seen 
fit to give it to me I should have had it; but I do feel that 
although I am a poor, miserable sinner, and nothing at all, 
yet I have a little true riches stored up in heaven, and God 
being my helper, I expect the remainder of my days on 
earth to spend and be spent in His service. 

" Please give my love to dear brethren and friends, and 
may you prosper in every good word and work, and be the 
means in the hands of God of leading many precious souls 
to the cross 

" Oh, how good the Lord is ! Blessing, and honor, and 
praise, and dominion, and power be unto His name forever 
and ever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. 
Amen and amen ! 

" Tell the dear old colored people at the Horse Market 
Mission not to cease praying for us, as we need their inter- 
cessions in our behalf at the throne of grace more than ever 
that we may be humble, that we may be true and faithful, 
that we may be strengthened to take up the cross daily and 
live in the spirit of true religion, which is to bless them that 

169 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

curse us, do good to them that hate us, and to pray for 
those who despitefully use us and persecute us. 

" Hoping that I have not wearied you, and with prayers 
for your success and for God's blessing to be continued upon 
the dear old Tenth Church, I remain, 
" Affectionately, 

" Brother Charlie." 

The Christiansburg African Baptist Church had 
not yet settled a pastor, but under the consecrated 
labors and leadership of Captain Schaeffer it con- 
tinued to prosper. In the nine months of its ex- 
istence the membership had increased to two hun- 
dred and six persons, of whom one hundred and 
fifty-four had been received by baptism. Of this 
number eighty-six were from the Sunday-school, 

On the 7th of August, 1868, the church was re- 
ceived into the fellowship of the Valley African 
Baptist Association of Virginia, which convened 
in its second annual session at Lexington, Va. Of 
Captain Schaeffer's connection with this Associa- 
tion mention will be made in another chapter. 

The following are additional excerpts from his 
"Diary:" 

December ^i, 1868. — " The Bureau discontin- 
ued. Order revoked by direction of the Secretary 
of War which placed me on duty as an officer of 
the Bureau. The year fraught with blessings; a 
wide path of usefulness opened by the Lord. Ex- 
perienced richly of the divine favor ; and although 
persecuted, threatened, and tried by wicked men, 

170 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

yet the Lord brought me safely through them all. 
Among the freed people my work has been ex- 
tended and thousands blessed in many ways. To 
my Heavenly Father's name be all the glory. 
* Watch'-meeting to-night one of special blessing. 
My soul magnifies the name of the Lord ; and may 
the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen 
and amen." 

January i, i86p. — " To-day celebrated the An- 
niversary of Emancipation, the church, Sunday- 
school, week-day school, and Temperance Associa- 
tion all uniting with many of the colored people 
from far and near. The occasion long to be re- 
membered and of great interest to the freed people. 
I have decided to remain some weeks to give spe- 
cial attention to the claims and wants of the freed- 
men before my return home, and to aid the church 
and other interests as far as in my power." 

January 20, 1869. — " On this date a little colony 
of twenty-one members from the Christiansburg 
African Baptist Church were organized into an 
independent Baptist church at Alleghany Springs; 
five members of other churches united with them. 
It was a day of special blessing to my own soul 
and of encouragement in the great work in which 
I am engaged. Oh, how good the Lord has been 
to me to make me the instrument in His hands of 
building up His kingdom in another locality! 
Praise be to His name!" 

The foregoing citation is noteworthy, as it 
171 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

makes allusion to the first of a numerous progeny 
to which this church became mother. 

January 2^, i86p. — " During the past year, as 
was the case during the former year, my whole 
soul was in the great work of laboring for the 
blessed Saviour among the poor, afflicted, troubled 
children of Africa. Amidst threatenings, perse- 
cutions, perplexities, and trials of various kinds, 
— and the burden of souls oppressing me, — I have 
counted not my life dear unto me, but gone for- 
ward cheerfully in the path which the Lord opened 
for my footsteps. And now I cannot do less than 
reconsecrate myself to the work which He has 
committed to my hands, — to labor for this poor 
and despised people, and engage in all other duties 
He may require at my hands. The good Lord open 
my way in the future and bless me even more abun- 
dantly than Thou hast in the past. Keep me hum- 
ble at Thy feet, and at the foot of the cross may 
I receive strength." 

January ^i, i86p. — " The entire month one of 
much labor among the sick and afflicted, in the 
church and Sabbath-school, and in giving parting 
words to the people in the several counties over 
which I had charge. The meetings held at differ- 
ent places were very large and deep feeling was 
manifested. I endeavored to counsel them for the 
future, and commended them all to the grace of 
our Lord Jesus Christ." 

As he was about to go North, uncertain of the 
172 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

time and circumstances of his return, but steadfast 
in the conviction that he still had a mission to per- 
form in behalf of the freed people, he was per- 
mitted to rejoice that the Lord was at last, in an- 
swer to many prayers, sending His people a pastor, 
the man of his choice. He thus makes record of 
the fact: 

February 75, i86p. — " A day of special interest 
in the church and one of great blessing to my soul. 
The Lord hath heard my prayer to send a pastor 
to my people, and in His own way and in good time 
hath granted my request. Among those baptized 
to-day at the close of the morning service was our 
aged brother, Richard Taylor,* who for thirty 

* Rev. Richard Taylor was one of a class of unlettered 
preachers raised up by God in the old slave days to guide 
and comfort His people. He was a remarkable illustration 
of that scripture which declares that the " secret of the 
Lord is with them that fear Him." A man of humble piety 
and constant prayer, he knew God and the human heart, and 
though he could hardly read, he had picked much knowledge 
of the Bible. " Endued with power from on high," he was 
able to touch the consciences and influence the lives of many 
of his fellows. Captain Schaeffer found him a " true yoke- 
fellow in the gospel," open to advice and instruction. A 
sincere affection sprang up between them, " Brother Rich- 
ard," as he was wont to call him, following his guidance in 
the pastorate of the church and often accompanying him 
in his missionary tours. 

The following quotation is from the Christiansburg Mes- 
senger, the local newspaper, published on the occasion of 
his death : 

" Rev. Richard Taylor, the oldest minister in the Valley 
173 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

years has been standing up for Jesus as a licensed 
preacher of the Methodist Church, but during the 
past year has been much exercised in his mind on 
the subject of baptism. His coming among us has 

Association, and for ten years the pastor of the First Church 
of this place, died February 2, 1879, aged seventy-six years. 

" In the palmy days of Montgomery County before the 
war every one knew and respected him. A true colored 
gentleman of the olden times, he was truly pious from early 
manhood. He became a preacher of the gospel about fifty 
years ago, and was permitted by his master to preach where- 
ever he felt called to go, and was listened to with profit by 
white and black alike. 

" He was especially eloquent in prayer, and many a visi- 
tor to the Montgomery Springs in olden times yet remem- 
bers his eloquence — some of them gratefully for the good 
he did them. He was followed to the grave by one of the 
largest processions ever seen in this place, composed of 
both colors, prominent among whom was his former mas- 
ter, Mr. Earheart, over eighty-six years of age, who rode 
many miles to attend the burial. The bells of the white 
churches tolled as the procession moved. He was visited 
by hundreds during his sickness, and for every one he had 
a word, especially for the unconverted. During his last 
Sabbath on earth he took by the hand each Sabbath-school 
scholar as they passed around his bed, blessing and praising 
God for the privilege. His last hours were full of ' Jesus !' 
' Jesus !' ' Hallelujah !' a sentence he often closed his prayers 
with, had scarce died on his lips ere his happy spirit was 
borne home. His one great idea was to serve the Master, 
and he never let an opportunity pass to speak for Him, in 
the fields or by the wayside. 

" As we followed his remains to the cemetery, with a 
great crowd, all places of business closed, we could but 
feel the respect even the world has for virtue and goodness, 
despite color and lack of education." 

174 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

led to his ordination on the afternoon of this day, 
and the choice of the church as her pastor." 

With the discontinuance of the Freedman's Bu- 
reau and the severance of official connection with 
the Government Captain Schaeffer's salary, of 
course, ceased. This loss of income, which had 
been freely used in the cause (his personal gifts 
from 1866 to 1869 had aggregated nearly three 
thousand dollars, or, to be exact, two thousand 
nine hundred and sixty-one dollars and nine 
cents), would necessarily restrict his mission. He 
had no anxiety as to personal support: his re- 
sources were sufficient for that. But the question 
of the larger work greatly interested him, and 
with this in view he decided to visit his home 
church and friends in Philadelphia. We again 
recur to the diary : 

February i^, i86p. — " The house crowded in 
every part at the meeting called this evening. On 
Sunday I took my leave of the Sabbath-school, 
and gave my parting counsel amidst the tears and 
sobs of my dear scholars. This evening the peo- 
ple came from every quarter to give the parting 
hand and to receive words of counsel and encour-* 
agement. My heart was almost overwhelmed 
within me, and I almost felt that I could not leave 
them, not even for a season." 

February 16, i86p. — " Another meeting this 
evening, when the people again crowded to the 

175 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

place, bringing little tokens of remembrance for 
us to carry home. As we took the parting hand, 
big tears would roll down their cheeks, while the 
only audible words were, ' God bless you !' I made 
them a short address, with the assurance that, the 
Lord permitting, I would soon be with them again 
to labor for their temporal improvement and eter- 
nal interests. Some of the country people, during 
the last few days, have come a whole day's journey 
on foot simply to bid us good-by. May the Lord 
keep them as in the hollow of His hand, bless 
them abundantly during my absence, and open the 
way for my speedy return, and unto Thy name 
shall be all the praise forever. Amen." 

February ly, i86p. — " At an early hour this 
morning started for home, after having seen the 
new pastor located at the parsonage, the teachers 
well provided for, and all business matters prop- 
erly settled up." 

February 28, i86g. — " Glad to be with the loved 
home circle, but troubled in regard to my duty. 
The Macedonian cry continuously sounds in my 
ears, * Come over and help us.' The Lord prepare 
all my way before me. As Thou wilt lead, so will 
I follow. The news from my old field is fraught 
with interest, and many are praying the Lord for 

my return May the Lord grant me the 

desire of my heart, to be an humble servant of His 
all the days of my life." 

March j/^ i86p. — " ' Lord, what wilt Thou 
176 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

have me to do?' Oh, how this question has re- 
volved itself in my mind ! And I now simply trust 
God to direct every step that I may take. I have 
committed my way unto Him. Enjoyed precious 
seasons among white and colored during the 
month, and although sick in body, feel it good to 
cling to the cross of a loving Saviour." 

April 4, i86p. — " A soul-refreshing meeting 
among our aged colored friends early this morn- 
ing. Afternoon taught class and addressed the 
Sabbath-school connected with the Cherry-Street 
African Baptist Church. Felt my heart warm in 
their midst. Also enjoyed the communion season 
at my own dear church and gave myself anew unto 
the Lord. Have now decided to return to my 
former field of effort at a very early day, looking 
to the Lord to sustain me as a servant of His 
among that dear people. And may the Lord of 
all grace make me to abound in every good word 
and work. I have recently been offered positions 
of honor, profit, and trust of a worldly character, 
but feel it my duty to decline them in view of what 
I believe to be a call from my precious Lord to 
go and labor among the freed people." 

April 8, i86p. — " I have received encourage- 
ment from many friends, who have promised to 
co-operate with me in my work and bid me God- 
speed. The Lord make me faithful to my trust." 

May Q, i86c). — " Another momentous day in my 
life. By a solemn act of the church I was this 
12 177 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

day set apart for the gospel ministry, and licensed 
to preach the glad tidings of salvation to the dying 
sons and daughters of earth. And now may the 
Lord accept the offering I make of myself, re- 
newedly consecrating all my powers of soul, body, 
and spirit to His service, and praying for His 
divine assistance in my feeble efforts to glorify 
Him and advance His kingdom on earth. Oh, 
how weak I am, and shrink from the task before 
me, yet I rely implicitly on Him, who hath all 
power and wisdom at command, and who hath 
promised, ' Lo, I am with you alway.' Truly the 
Lord hath led me by a way I knew not, and after 
many years of anxiety and trouble of mind in 
regard to my duty. His providence has directed 
that henceforth I shall preach the glad tidings of 
salvation to the poor and destitute, and although 
it will not be by man's wisdom, yet I trust in its 
great simplicity it will meet the divine approba- 
tion, and be attended by the power and demon- 
stration of the Holy Ghost." 

May II, i86p. — " I start to-night to my former 
field of labor among the freedmen. May the Lord 
go with me, bless the loved ones I leave behind 
me with every spiritual good, and crown us all 
with everlasting salvation at last, through Jesus 
Christ my Lord. Amen!" 



178 



CHAPTER XL 

Enough has been written to indicate that Cap- 
tain Schaeffer was actuated alone by pure and un- 
selfish considerations. If he could elevate the ne- 
gro, and glorify his Saviour in the doing of it, 
he was content. With this in view, he held aloof 
from all political affiliations. As an official of the 
Government he dealt with the whites and blacks 
alike in a spirit of absolute impartiality. When his 
relations with the Freedman's Bureau ceased he 
remained among the negroes, not to influence their 
political opinions, but, as a missionary of the cross, 
to aid them physically, intellectually, morally, and 
spiritually. Whatever his views might have been 
on the various questions of policy springing out 
of the war, he was careful not to express them 
publicly. It is doubtful whether he gave much 
thought to the subject, so profoundly absorbed was 
he in trying to do the people good. So completely, 
indeed, did he dissociate himself from the party 
divisions of the day, that in the thirty-three years 
of his ministry in the South he neither cast a ballot 
nor took part in a canvass where State or National 
policies were directly at issue. Had he been at all 
open to mercenary motives, or disposed to use his 
great influence to obtain political preferment, there 
was perhaps no position within the gift of the 

179 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

people which he might not have had for the 
asking. 

The natural effect of a course so disinterested 
was to endear him all the more to the colored peo- 
ple, who reposed in him implicit confidence; while 
the whites, as time went on, came to respect the 
man who had no personal ends to subserve. But 
where the habits and morals of the people were 
affected, none held more pronounced convictions 
than he did. 

Mention has been made of his attitude towards 
the subject of temperance. He was a strenuous 
advocate of total abstinence. He likewise took 
strong ground against indulgence in tobacco. On 
the day of his return from Philadelphia, after ap- 
pointment to the " licentiate," the " Diary" re- 
cords this significant fact : 

May 12, i86p. — " I gave up the use of tobacco 
in all forms ; have been accustomed to smoke, but 
feel the duty to give it up at once and forever. 
The Lord help me to keep my pledge. Arrived 
safely in Christiansburg this evening." 

Believing that the greatest enemy of the school 
and the church is the drinking-saloon, and believ- 
ing that the most degrading vices to which men 
are addicted is the drink and kindred habits, at the 
very beginning of his missionary career he set 
himself earnestly against the sale and use of alco- 

180 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

holic liquors. Wherever it was possible through- 
out the extensive field of his efforts, he organized 
temperance societies, whose members were pledged 
not to make, sell, or use intoxicants of any kind. 
And where such societies could not be formed, in- 
dividuals and families were induced to sign the 
pledge. They were established under a constitu- 
tion and by-laws, with a regular order of exer- 
cises, including, besides stated business, recitations, 
discussions, and such matters as would be helpful 
in instilling temperance principles and training the 
members in habits of sobriety. Any person over 
twelve years of age was eligible to membership. 
The good these organizations accomplished in 
those formative days cannot now be estimated. 
Thousands were brought under the influence of 
total abstinence doctrines, and a strong temperance 
sentiment was developed and has prevailed ever 
since in those localities which is mainly attributed 
to this pioneer work. 

The Valley Baptist Association of Virginia has 
always taken high ground on the subject of tem- 
perance. Many of the churches composing this 
body, directly or indirectly, were organized by 
Captain Schaeffer. The effect of his teaching and 
example is seen in their stanch opposition to all 
forms of this evil and in the orderly walk and gen- 
eral sobriety of their members. They have some- 
times held the balance of power when " local op- 
tion" was the issue at the polls, and by their adher- 

i8i 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ence to principle have often won the day for local 
prohibition. 

When in 1886 the question of "Local Option" 
came before the people of Montgomery County for 
decision at the polls, Captain Schaeffer felt called 
upon for the first time to participate in an election 
canvass. It has been stated how particular he had 
been to stand aloof from the political issues of the 
day. But " local option" he regarded as in a class 
by itself. From his point of view, it was not in 
the category of politics, but of ethics. It had to 
do with the morals of the people, their thrift and 
industry, their social relations, and their habits 
of life. Temperance ran parallel with the general 
trend of his mission ; it touched his heart and con- 
science ; he became greatly interested in the move- 
ment, and esteemed it a duty to vote and work 
for its success. 

The measures adopted were unique. Some 
weeks before the election he organized in the 
church a "Blue Ribbon Club." It was composed 
of male and female members. The men were 
pledged to vote for " local option ;" the women 
promised to exert their influence in behalf of the 
cause. The badge of membership was a piece of 
blue ribbon worn in a conspicuous place on the 
dress, to indicate the strength of the movement 
and " intimidate" the enemy. On election morning 
the club gathered at the meeting-house for a sea- 
son of prayer preparatory to the march in a body 

182 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

to the voting place. Just before starting, each 
woman pinned to the coat of the man of her choice 
a button-hole bouquet tied with blue ribbon, and 
with banners flying and singing suitable hymns 
they reached the polls. Captain Schaeffer polled 
his first vote in the South on this occasion, the 
members of the club following him in regular or- 
der until all had voted, the strains of music ceasing 
only when the last ballot had been deposited. The 
county " went dry," as was to be expected under 
such religious electioneering, by a large majority. 
At an election two years later the same result en- 
sued, and to this day the county stands stanchly 
for prohibition. The following extract from a 
letter to the Union Signal of September 2, 1886, 
descriptive of this scene, with some remarks by 
the editor, is of interest : 

" A Philadelphia friend who was in Virginia during the 
local option election sends the following account of the 
way the colored voters were ' intimidated' into voting for 
prohibition. It is so apropos to this time that we take the 
liberty of giving the letter to our readers. The same spirit 
prevailed and similar methods were used in Mississippi, 
from whence come the charges of intimidation of black 
voters : 

" ' While summering on Zion's Hill, Christiansburg, Va., 
I was greatly interested in the advanced position the colored 
people are taking in the prohibition movement, which has 
made such astonishing progress in the South. At the Val- 
ley Association held at this place August 4 to 7, numbering 
more than one hundred churches, the most pronounced tem- 
perance resolutions (including the recommendation of the 
use of unfermented wine at the Lord's table) were en- 

183 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

thusiastically adopted. Many earnest words followed from 
the pastors, showing their work in the recent uprising for 
a prohibition law in their various counties and towns. How 
their faces beamed with pleasure as they announced, " My 
county went dry at the last election." 

" ' The pastor of the church at this place, Rev. Charles 
S. Schaeffer, is the only white brother in the Association. 
He is the shepherd who for twenty years has looked after 
the flock gathered in a score of folds on these beautiful 
hills. Several weeks before the election he called the men 
of the church together and organized them into a Temper- 
ance Club, so when the eventful day arrived he had but to 
summon them to the church, where, placing them in line, 
he put into each hand the prohibition ticket, decorating them 
with a blue ribbon and button-hole bouquets. The resi- 
dents made for them six banners with inspiring mottoes. 
Thus equipped, with Mr. Schaeffer at the head of the col- 
umn, they marched down the hill, one hundred and fifty 
voters with as many prospective voters in their train, sing- 
ing,— 

" Yield not to temptation. 
For yielding is sin ; 
Each victory will help you. 

Some other to win. 
Fight manfully onward. 

Dark passions subdue ; 
Look ever to Jesus, 
He will carry you through." 

" ' As they entered the town their hymn merged into the 
encouraging words : 

" Hold the fort, for I am coming, 
Jesus signals still ; 
Wave the answer back to heaven. 
By Thy grace we will." 

Then as they reached the polls, keeping in line, each 
deposited his vote till all were through, when the hills rang 

184 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

with a shout from the white voters, " Hurrah for Captain 
Schaeffer and his Club." Next day gave them the glad in- 
telligence that victory was theirs — the county free from the 
curse of the saloon.' " 

Captain Schaeffer's appointment to the "licen- 
tiate" by his home church and his discontinuance 
of the tobacco habit, previously noticed, was not a 
mere coincidence. His recognition as a minister 
of the gospel imposed new responsibilities and ob- 
ligations, which he well understood, but had no 
desire to evade. He would allow himself no grati- 
fication that might prove to be an obstacle to ut- 
most usefulness. He must aim to be an example 
in all things. 

There seems to be no ground for the conclusion 
that he placed indulgence in spirituous liquors and 
tobacco in the same class. In his view they were 
both evils ; but the use of the former as a beverage 
he regarded a sin; and he would not indulge in 
the latter on the Apostle Paul's noble principle, 
that it might cause his " brother to offend." He, 
therefore, earnestly advised the giving up of to- 
bacco as an unclean and unnecessary habit, and 
in the great penury of the colored people an un- 
warranted, if not a sinful, expense. Making com- 
mon cause, then, against these twin evils, he con- 
stantly practised and preached total abstinence 
with respect to both. The temperance pledge and 
the anti-tobacco pledge were urged upon all, and 
were not infrequently signed at the same time. 

i8s 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Large success accompanied this movement. More- 
over, it was accomplished on gospel lines, the sign- 
ing of the pledge often being preceded by a " gos- 
pel temperance sermon," in which the moral and 
Christian principles involved were plainly taught. 
The people consequently were intelligent in their 
action; they were generally true to their pledges; 
and throughout the counties in which he labored, 
a strong temperance sentiment prevails. 

Early in 1869, anticipating the withdrawal of 
Government aid to the freedmen, and in the hope 
that the friends interested in the cause might con- 
tinue their assistance, Captain Schaeffer engaged 
in a correspondence of which the appended letter 
is a characteristic example. It not only shows 
how the work appealed to his own heart, but also 
his abiding confidence in an omnipotent helper: 

" Christiansburg, Montgomery County, V.\., 

" February 17, 1869. 
" Henry M. Laing, Philadelphia, Pa. 

" My dear Friend : — I write by way of encouragement in 
the great work in which you are engaged for the salvation 
of the freed people. Truly our Heavenly Father has opened 
a wide sphere for the kind, disinterested co-operation on the 
part of the friends of this hitherto despised and oppressed 
race, and has committed into their hands the fearful re- 
sponsibility of deciding whether the future shall find the 
freedmen among the ignorant, superstitious, and debased 
portions of the community in which they live, or, through 
the blessings of education and every good and kindly in- 
fluence thrown around them, raised to positions of honor, 
intellectual refinement, and power for good in the land. 

" It is then a question among the friends of the cause, 
186 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

not as to how soon the work shall cease, or when it will 
be proper to withdraw the hitherto liberal support given it, 
but how to make it more effective ; and the enlistment of 
even larger numbers, including those who have not done 
their whole duty, in giving a new impetus to the work and 
a greater sacrifice of whatever may be demanded for its 
successful accomplishment. 

" With an experience of more than two years of direct 
effort in the field, I can assure you that the work seems 
more than ever important, and weighs upon my heart with 
greater force and magnitude than I can readily express to 
you. Indeed, it seems as if we had just begun to gather the 
rich fruit of our labor, while on every hand the seed is 
taking root, germinating, and expanding, and bids fair for 
an abundant harvest. God be praised for this ; but while 
we see these indications of His willingness to bless our 
feeble instrumentality in accomplishing the great purposes of 
His providence, shall we then be satisfied? or should we not 
arouse us to greater diligence, and the consecration of even 
more of life, talent, property, or whatever may be claimed 
from us, in one united, honest, and continued effort for the 
accomplishment of that which is fraught with both the in- 
terests of time and eternity? 

" With the freedmen it is a time of oppressive anxiety, in 
view of the anticipated withdrawal of both Government and 
benevolent support and encouragement, and their cry is, 
' Do not leave us,' ' Do not withdraw from us the necessary 
help in our time of need.' And although it was my inten- 
tion, on being discharged from duty as an officer of the 
Bureau (the time for its limitation by Congress having ex- 
pired), to return to my home and enjoy quiet and rest, 
yet duty now seems to demand my return at the earliest 
opportunity, and I feel, God willing, to give myself anew 
to the work. 

" The only trouble is the want of means to successfully 
prosecute it ; but, depending upon the never-failing resources 
of God's treasury, I will go forth trusting. 

" I am glad to inform you that the assistance rendered me 
during the past year, through your kind co-operation and 

187 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

that of other dear friends, has been productive of great 
good, and your kindness is heartily appreciated by the peo- 
ple under my charge. Besides the many comforts for the 
poor, afflicted, and distressed, and the distribution of seeds, 
from which they were supplied with vegetables during the 
past summer and winter, there was special and substantial 
encouragement given in the work of education, and particu- 
larly in country places, where our colored friends would 
have remained in the darkness of ignorance had you not 
supplied them with the necessary books and other means 
of self-education. 

" Expecting to spend one or two months in Philadelphia, 
when I shall have the pleasure of conversing with you more 
fully in reference to these matters, I remain, truly, 
" Your friend, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 



When Captain Schaeffer returned to Virginia 
from his visit to Philadelphia, May 12, 1869, it 
was without thought of further connection with 
the Government as an official. The Freedman's 
Bureau, except the Educational and Claims De- 
partment, had been discontinued by Act of Con- 
gress, and he had been relieved from duty. Satis- 
fied, however, that it was the Lord's cause in which 
he was engaged, and that He would supply the 
means for carrying it forward, he had determined 
to " go forth trusting." Much to his surprise, 
therefore, soon after his return, June 10, 1869, as 
has been detailed in another chapter, unsolicited 
by him, he received an appointment from the War 
Department as Assistant Superintendent of Schools 
for the State of Virginia. The office carried with 

i88 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

it all travelling expenses and a salary while in 
actual service. It was continued for nearly a year, 
and providentially opened the way for the con- 
tinuance and enlargement of the work. 

Although licensed to preach the gospel by the 
sanction and authority of the church, and rejoicing 
to speak for the Master on all occasions, Captain 
Schaeffer found himself hindered as a leader by 
reason of the fact that he was not authorized to 
administer the ordinances and perform such other 
functions as belong to an ordained minister. This 
subject gave him much concern, and he began to 
be exercised in mind as to his duty with respect to 
ordination. About this time (July o.'j, 1869), pre- 
sumably in answer to a query, the " Diary" re- 
cords : " Received a special communication from 
my pastor, stating that my church sympathized in 
my work among the freed people, and suggesting 
that I should prosecute it as I would if ordained to 
the full work of the ministry." He did not hesi- 
tate to act on this advice, as the following citations 
show: 

July 2iO, i860. — " Started for Dublin this even- 
ing to go to Pearisburg. A Council called for the 
organization of Baptist Church at the latter place." 

July ji, i86p. — " Rode over to Pearisburg to- 
day, and at night held a preliminary meeting." 

August I, i86q. — " I gathered the children to- 
gether at nine o'clock for special Sabbath-school 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

exercises. At ten o'clock proceeded to the organi- 
zation of the Pearisbiirg colored Baptist Church. 
Fourteen persons also were baptized in New River 
and added to the church as constituted. A great 
day at that place, and we trust much good was 
accomplished. Deacons and other officers elected. 
Charge to the church was delivered in the evening 
and was listened to by a large number of white and 
colored." 

August 2, i86p. — " Endeavor to meet from day 
to day all the duties enjoined upon me, of what- 
ever character they may be. The protracted meet- 
ing continued; a good time to-night." 

August 6, i86p. — " This morning left on train 
for Liberty, Bedford County. Was present at the 
opening of the Valley African Baptist Association 
of Virginia. Acted for the clerk. Carried two 
churches into the Association — Alleghany Springs 
and Pearisburg." 

August 8, i86p. — " Held a mass Sabbath-school 
gathering at eight a.m. Felt the Lord with me. 
At the close scattered a large quantity of reading 
matter, to interest from little children to old age." 

August 10, i86q. — " Spent the day in preparing 
the minutes of the Association for the printer until 
late in the evening." 

August 2<), i86p. — " Brother Richard Taylor 
and myself visited the Brush Creek settlement to- 
day. Met a large congregation of colored and 
white in a little grove. The occasion one of much 

190 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

encouragement, and bids us hope in God for the 
future. Returned in time for the evening meet- 
ing." 

August ^0, i86p. — " Head, heart, and hands 
full. The Lord help His servant. An adjourned 
meeting of the Christian Union to-night." 

October ^i, i86p. — " Hands continue full of 
work. With the Lord's assistance may I press 
matters. From day to day I receive the necessary 
strength for the task before me." 

November 4, i86p. — " Met this evening with 
the Lovely Mount people. A good time enjoyed. 
Fore part of the day visited the sick, etc." 

November 8, i86p. — " Commenced painting the 
school-house. Organized a temperance and anti- 
tobacco meeting. Nineteen signed the latter 
pledge." 

November i^, i86p. — " Painting between-times 
(of other duties) all the week." 

November Jj, i86p. — " To-day organized the 
Lovely Mount Baptist Church of this county 
(Montgomery), composed of twenty-seven mem- 
bers, — sixteen of the number baptized to-day. 
The occasion one of much interest, and the ser- 
vices blessed to many souls. Returned home 
greatly rejoicing in God my Saviour." 

November 28, i86p. — " A precious day to my 
soul. Conducted all the services to-day. Inquirers 
in the evening meeting." 

December 11, i86p. — " Visited the Danville 
191 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

school. In the afternoon started on stage for Pitt- 
sylvania Court-House." 

December 12, i86p. — " Held an educational and 
religious meeting this p.m. Also met a number of 
colored friends to talk over their best interests." 

December i^, i86p. — " A meeting of the most 
prominent colored men of the place. Made ar- 
rangements for the organization of a school. 
Started for Danville at two p.m., arrived at six, 
and visited the night-school, etc., etc." 

These extracts are taken at random from a large 
number of such entries, and are adduced to show 
how laborious and varied were the duties devolv- 
ing upon this consecrated man. 

The evident leadings of Providence, and the un- 
mistakable answer to the question, " How shall I 
render the most efficient service for the Master in 
aiding these needy ones to whom He has sent me?" 
had gradually forced him to the conclusion that 
duty demanded ordination to the gospel ministry. 
With this in view, he determined to return to 
Philadelphia, to lay the subject before the home 
church. On December 19, 1869, the Tenth Baptist 
Church took action in the case, and voted to call 
a Council to consider the propriety of ordaining 
him. The Council convened on December 27th, 
and concerning which this record is found in the 
"Diary:" 

" Another memorable day in my history. I ap- 
192 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

peared before a large Council convened by my 
church and, after prayer and other services, 
proceeded with the examination, upon the con- 
clusion of which, by a unanimous vote, it was 
resolved to proceed with the ordination in the 
evening." 

From the Shepherd's Crook, the organ of the 
Tenth Baptist Church, under date of January, 
1870, we quote the subjoined reference to this in- 
teresting event: 

" One of the most gratifying events that has occurred 
among us for a good while is the setting apart of our be- 
loved brother, Charles S. Schaefifer, to the work of the 
ministry. * 

" We had fondly hoped that our brother would return to us 
to settle in Philadelphia and again become one of the leaders 
of evangelical work in the Tenth Church. But God has or- 
dered otherwise, and we cannot allow any disappointment 
of our personal desires to hinder our gratitude that so 
, wide and important a field as Brother Schaeffer is to occupy 
in Virginia has been chosen as the scene of his labors. He 
has already been greatly blessed in his labors for the freed- 
men, to whom he has given time, talents, toil, and treasure 
for five years past. Many have been through his exhorta- 
tions brought to the Saviour's feet, and three churches have 
had their origin under his supervision. He is devotedly at- 
tached to his work, and the colored people are enthusiastic 
in their love of him. He passed through many trials and 
not a little danger in the years immediately following the 
war from the jealousy of the white population, but God 
has brought him safely through all, and at length even these 
have learned to appreciate his Christian spirit and benevo- 
lent labors. 

" The Council of the churches met in our church, on 
13 193 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Monday, December 27, to examine Brother Schaeffer as to 
Christian experience, call to the ministry, and doctrinal 
views. The Council organized by electing Rev. Charles 
Keyser as moderator and Rev. J. Peters as clerk. 

" Brother Schaeffer then narrated his Christian experi- 
ence, which was deeply affecting and highly satisfactory to 
those who heard it, not a few being moved to tears. 

" His statement of the causes which led to his entering 
the ministry was clear, and strongly indicative of the move- 
ments of the Divine Spirit; and his statement of doctrinal 
views was so clear and comprehensive that the usual ques- 
tioning was not thought necessary. The remarks made by 
the brethren were unanimously commendatory." 

The Council was a very large one, nearly fifty 
churches being represented. The writer was a 
privileged participant, and remembers with dis- 
tinctness the profound impression made upon the 
delegates by the clearness and earnestness of the 
candidate's statements. 

Three days after the ordination, December 31, 
1869, Captain Schaeffer is again found at Chris- 
tiansburg, joining with the people in mutual con- 
gratulations, and preparing for the celebration of 
Emancipation Day on the morrow. He returned 
to devote himself — if possible, more completely 
than ever before — to the temporal and spiritual 
interests of his people. 

The language employed in the narrative of this 
consecrated life may be thought by some to savor 
of exaggeration, but the extracts taken from the 
" Diary" and those to follow will confirm all that 
has been said. It is to be regretted that space will 

194 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

not permit the publication of this remarkable docu- 
ment in its entirety. 

If the Apostle Paul in the Epistle to the 
Romans, chapter xii. 9-21, has given, as some as- 
sert, a pen-portrait of the ideal Christian, it is not 
saying too much to affirm that the subject of this 
memoir did not come very far short of its realiza- 
tion. 

January i, iSyo. — " Entered upon the new year 
with holy covenant to live unreservedly to the 
Lord. The day celebrated appropriately by the 
colored people. Old and young participated in 
religious services. The seventh anniversary of 
Emancipation. Also scattered books, papers, con- 
fections, etc., among them, and sent some to the 
absent sick. Also distributed clothing and medi- 
cines among the exceedingly poor and destitute. 
At night a precious experience meeting, and ex- 
perienced large blessing in my soul." 

January 2, i8yo. — " This morning Sabbath- 
school exercises turned into a prayer-meeting. 
There was deep seriousness among all present. In 
the morning public service I took for a lesson the 
* Seven Churches of Asia,' and experienced much 
freedom in presenting the truth. All day long my 
soul was filled with a sense of my Saviour's love. 
At night the meeting one of deep interest." 

January j, iSyo. — " Visited among the sick, 
etc., and at night conducted the meeting and en- 

19s 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

deavored to give the people food from God's 
Word. One was hopefully converted and made 
happy in the Saviour." 

January 4, iSyo. — " Visited some sixteen cases 
of measles and other cases of sickness, clothed the 
naked, and attended to other cases of distress. To- 
night the Lord with me in the pulpit and His 
presence felt among the people. Labored until a 
late hour for the unconverted." 

January y, 18/0. — " The past two days busy day 
and night with special duties. To-night attended 

a meeting at Brother W Mc , where it 

was my privilege to rejoice with eight young con- 
verts gathered by a little band of brethren during 
the past week (meetings held from house to 
house). The meeting to-night one of blessed in- 
fluence, others being concerned in the great matter 
of personal interest in Jesus." 

January 8, 18 /O. — " Walked quite a long dis- 
tance to-day, visiting among the sick and the poor, 
scattering comforts and blessings." 

Here follow memoranda of another " tour of 
inspection," — for two days through a drenching 
rain, and being at one place threatened with per- 
sonal violence by some drunken white men, — in 
which school matters received attention, and edu- 
cational, religious, temperance, and anti-tobacco 
meetings were held : 



ig6 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

January 28, 1870. — " Brother Richard and my- 
self paid another visit to-day among the Brush 
Creek people. A large Sabbath-school gathering, 
and much interest manifested by both white and 
colored. At the close of special and interesting 
services, Brother Richard returned to Christians- 
burg, and I held services at Sister Taliaferro's in 
the evening, the house being crowded. Here I 
took a text, John xiv. 27, ' My peace I give unto 
you,' and for the first time attempted to sermonize. 
In it I experienced a clear head and a full heart 
and great peace in my soul. And while speaking 
the fire burned, and my soul was moved to earnest 
entreaty towards sinners to be reconciled to God. 
Two colored brethren also joined in words of ex- 
hortation. The congregation, composed almost 
entirely of unconverted persons, yielded to the 
sacred influences of the hour, and many prostrated 
themselves with us at the mercy-seat, crying aloud 
for mercy. The occasion one of lasting remem- 
brance." 

January ji, 18/0. — " I spent the day in ex- 
amining and inspecting the school. At night held 
another meeting at Sister Taliaferro's. The house 
again crowded. Preached from Matt. xxv. 10, 
* And the door was shut,' and experienced the 
power of the Holy Spirit. About half of all pres- 
ent presented themselves as anxious inquirers, and 
great grace rested upon the meeting." 

February i, 18'jo. — " This morning I went to 
197 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Longtown, Floyd County, and visited a school. 
Entered as usual into the work before me and felt 
deeply interested, and much interest was mani- 
fested by all present. At night held a meeting at 
the house of a colored friend which filled two large 
rooms. Preached from Mark xv. 25, ' And they 
crucified him.' While speaking experienced clear 
conceptions of truth and of the plan of salvation, 
and found my heart drawn out towards those pres- 
ent. All with but one exception were unconverted, 
and during the meeting many cried for mercy. 
Retired to rest with a full heart." 

February 2, iSjo. — " After the usual attention 
to the poor and sick in the community and giving 
instruction to the people, I returned to Christians- 
burg, a distance of twenty-one miles, on foot. 
Found good times among the brethren, and, 
though wearied by travel, preached in the evening 
from Isaiah li. 11, 'Therefore the redeemed of 
the Lord, etc' Experienced sweet consolation in 
my own soul, and quite a number manifested con- 
cern for their eternal interests." 

February j, 18/0. — " To-day sent a teacher to 
Pearisburg and visited the school at Newbern, 
where I spent the entire day. Among other mat- 
ters organized a Young People's Temperance and 
Anti-Tobacco Society. At night held a large 
mass-meeting, and spoke for about two hours to a 
crowded assembly on miscellaneous subjects, — 
temperance, tobacco, education, moral and re- 

198 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ligious training, etc. Felt the Lord's presence 
with me, and all seemed to feel it good to be there. 
After the meeting proceeded to Dublin." 

February 4, i8yo. — " Returned home this morn- 
ing. Took some rest, and then attended to calls 
for help among the sick and others. At night con- 
ducted the experience meeting, which was one of 
precious influences, with a number of inquirers 
seeking Jesus." 

February 5, i8yo. — " After another full day, 
met in mass experience meeting to-night. Church 
business attended to. One backslider and two 
young converts offered themselves for church fel- 
lowship." 

February 6, 18 yo. — " The Sabbath-school taken 
up for special prayer in behalf of the scholars and 
teachers. At the close of public worship three 
happy converts were baptized, and four in all re- 
ceived into church fellowship. Afterwards par- 
took of the Lord's Supper. To-night preached 
from the text, Matt. xxv. 37, ' They crucified him.' 
Felt the presence, power, and blessing of my Lord. 
About thirty persons, among them some of our 
Sabbath-school scholars, came forward for prayer. 
The meeting one of great interest." 

February J, 18 'jo. — " A heavy snow-storm pre- 
vented a large gathering to-night. Labored with 
one special case until a late hour — the occasion one 
of deep pressure of soul." 

February 8, i8yo. — " On account of the great 
199 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

storm there were only seven persons present at the 
meeting to-night — five Christians and two uncon- 
verted. Both of our unconverted friends were 
hopefully converted." 

February g, iSyo. — " We had great joy at the 
close of our little meeting last night. Felt my own 
cup to run over. To-night had another powerful 
meeting, in which one professed hope in Christ." 

February lo, 18/0. — " Preaching services to- 
night. A good time." 

February 11, 18 yo. — " Daily engaged with 
pressing calls and duties. Giving myself up fully 
at night to the meetings. To-night Brother Henry 
Jameson with us, also Brother Adams, of New- 
bern, who left in the night train. Over thirty in- 
quirers forward and a good time enjoyed." 

February 12, i8yo. — " Brother Jameson 
preached to-night to a full house. Inquirers mul- 
tiplying and the influence of God's Spirit poured 
upon the people." 

February i^, 18 yo. — " A great and blessed day 
in Zion. Sabbath-school, interesting services, fol- 
lowed by public services and attention to inquirers. 
Brother Jameson preached. A large number for- 
ward for prayer, among them A W (who 

has long been a burden on our hearts), who, in 
the midst of the meeting, deliberately rose up and 
shook off all unbelief, which has been keeping him 
back from the Saviour, when there was great joy 
among the disciples. At night there were over 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

sixty inquirers and a number of conversions. 
Eight made a public profession of faith in Christ." 

February 14, i8yo. — " The interest increasing." 

February 15, 1870. — " The meeting to-night 
filled with the presence of the Lord. Besides back- 
sliders returning to the fold, twelve happy converts 
made an open profession of faith in Christ." 

February 16, 18/0. — " Some twenty young per- 
sons came forward in the day-school meeting, and 
eight dear friends were hopefully converted iii the 
meeting to-night. Through excess of labors and 
overtaxing my strength in the meeting to-night 
felt a giving away of my physical powers at the 
close of the meeting, and was carried to my home." 

February ly, i8jo. — " Recovered from my in- 
disposition and was again present at the meeting 
to-night. Three more happy converts and five 
names for baptism and church fellowship. My 
soul full of praise to the Lord." 

February 18, 1810. — " Dined with Brother 

C . The weather cold and stormy. Meeting 

not so large to-night, but especially interesting 
and crowned with the best of consequences. Two 
more converts, and three others offered themselves 
for baptism and church fellowship." 

February ip, 18 yo. — " A full week ; day and 
night employed for Jesus, and receiving overflow- 
ing cups of salvation." 

February 20, 18'jo. — " A heavy snow-storm to- 
day, notwithstanding many in attendance at the 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Sabbath-school and pubHc services. Twelve happy 
converts were baptized, and eighteen in all re- 
ceived the right hand of fellowship. All the ser- 
vices of the day attended with special blessings, 
and at night there were several new converts and 
two candidates for baptism." 

And so, day after day, the work of grace pro- 
gressed, and many were converted and baptized 
into the fellowship of the church. 

March i, iSyo. — " Continued visiting among 
the sick during the day. At night preached from 
Matt. XXV. lo, ' And the door was shut.' Every 
unconverted person in the house came forward for 
prayer, and several were hopefully converted, to 
the praise of the great Head of the Church." 

Citations like the above indicate the largeness 
of the work and show how fraught it was with 
blessings to these needy folk. 

In connection with other pressing duties, Cap- 
tain Schaefifer now began regularly to preach the 
gospel, and crowds attended his ministry. At 
these meetings many awakenings occurred and 
conversions were numerous. The sermons, as a 
rule, were simple statements of gospel truth, spoken 
in language easily understood by the people, but 
presented with an earnestness and modesty that 
won attention and convinced the hearers that the 

202 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

speaker was a man of God " endued with power 
from on high." 

The spiritual vitality of the Christiansburg 
Church was evidenced in its vigorous growth. 
From its organization it had been in a continuous 
state of revival, and two thrifty branches had al- 
ready shot forth from its sturdy stock. The parish 
included a considerable tract of territory, and 
some of the members, compelled to come long dis- 
tances to attend worship, were ready to engage in 
any movement which would bring the gospel to 
their own locality. 

Brush Creek, a little hamlet in Montgomery 
County a few miles from Christiansburg, was one 
of these. Captain Schaeffer had established a day- 
and Sabbath-school there, and had held meetings 
in the house of a sister of the church from time to 
time which had increased in interest and where 
several conversions had occurred. 

The new interest soon became so flourishing 
that it was decided to organize a church. On the 
24th of April, 1870, by a Council called for the 
purpose by the Christiansburg Church, the or- 
ganization was effected. The following is Cap- 
tain Schaeffer's statement of the event: 

" The weather fine. Meeting held in the grove. 
A large number of white and colored present. 
Brother Taylor opened the service. I followed in 
explaining our position as Baptists and the plat- 

203 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

form on which we stand. Afterwards formed in 
procession (as usual) and proceeded to the water, 
where for the first time I administered the ordi- 
nance of baptism, immersing three white and 
seven colored converts. On returning to the 
church [the school-house is probably meant], pro- 
ceeded with the organization, completing the con- 
stitution of the Brush Creek Colored Baptist 
Church of Montgomery County, Va. The occa- 
sion one of great interest and blessing. Brethren 
Taylor and Green preached in the evening, when 
a number of inquirers were still found seeking 
Jesus. Returned to stopping-place weary in body, 
but the soul enjoying sweet rest." 

Another preaching station established by Cap- 
tain Schaeffer was on " Crab Creek," about six 
miles west of Christiansburg. He speaks of walk- 
ing there and preaching in the morning and after- 
noon to a large congregation of white and colored 
persons in a grove, where his own " heart was en- 
larged and refreshed," and on the conclusion of the 
services ten converts desired baptism, and, in con- 
nection with a number of brethren and sisters from 
the Lovely Mount Baptist Church, proposed the 
organization of a church at that place. The work 
progressed rapidly, and on the 19th of June, 1870, 
he records : 

" Proceeded to the ' Crab Creek Station' early 
204 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

this morning in company with delegates from the 
Christiansburg Church, where we organized the 
New Hope Baptist Church of Montgomery 
County, Va. Met in the grove, near the railroad, 
where, after Sabbath-school exercises, I preached 
from I Tim. iii. i6, ' Great is the mystery of god- 
liness, etc.,' followed by the constitution of the 
church and the baptism of twelve converts, who 
were received into their fellowship. The services 
attended by a large number of white and colored 
friends. Twenty-five members compose the new 
church." 

In October of this year, in filling a preaching 
appointment at Lovely Mount, Captain Schaeffer 
was subjected to an amusing but very annoying 
experience. Whether the action had its origin in 
a mere spirit of mischief, or whether it were an 
expression of vindictive spite, it is impossible to 
determine. Its victim, who was well aware of the 
opposition his work aroused in certain quarters, 
was inclined to the latter view. During the 
preaching service in the evening, when " a pre- 
cious season was enjoyed, and one professed hope 
in Christ, and asked for baptism and church fel- 
lowship, some evil-disposed person or persons" 
took advantage of the opportunity and removed 
and carried ofif one of the wheels of his buggy. 
After a vain search for the missing wheel. Cap- 
tain Schaeffer and his companion, at one o'clock 

205 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

in the morning, started on their way home, taking 
turns in riding the horse, and arrived at Chris- 
tiansburg after a tiresome ride of four hours. The 
wheel was never found, and was supposed to have 
been hidden in the mountains or dropped into the 
river. Noting this incident in the " Diary," he 
remarks, " May the Lord forgive these men for 
this wickedness, and may the very act itself lead 
to that repentance which needeth not to be re- 
pented of." 

October 23, 1870, at Big Springs, now called 
Elliston, about thirteen miles from Christiansburg, 
another church was constituted by Captain Schaef- 
fer. Here he encouraged the organization of a 
Sunday-school, and supplied it with books, papers, 
etc. 

The nucleus of this body of believers was a com- 
pany of brethren and sisters from the Alleghany 
Springs Baptist Church, the first colony sent out 
by the Christiansburg Baptist Church. There 
were twenty-eight constituent members, seven of 
whom were baptized just previous to the organiza- 
tion. At a preaching service which followed in 
the evening thirty-two inquirers came forward for 
prayer and seven converts requested baptism. The 
next day was spent " in the Master's service, read- 
ing, meditating, and visiting," and in the evening 
the " Lord gave special power to the truth," there 
being thirty-five inquirers, and three more con- 
verts offered themselves for baptism. Preaching 

206 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

services were continued for some time, and many 
additions made to the church. 

It subsequently became quite a strong church, 
and for a number of years Captain Schaeffer 
served as its pastor. 

It will thus be observed that in the nine months 
following his ordination he had been instrumental 
in gathering and organizing three new churches ; 
to these, and the three previously organized, there 
had been added by baptism considerably over two 
hundred members. 



207 



CHAPTER XII. 

The brethren of the Tenth Baptist Church had 
observed with interest the earnest zeal and re- 
markable success of Captain Schaeffer's efforts in 
behalf of the educational and religious welfare of 
the freedmen. He had been in correspondence 
with a number of them from the beginning, and 
they had freely extended to him their sympathy 
and prayers. Their interest, however, was inten- 
sified by the fact that the work was in danger of 
curtailment by the withdrawal of Governmental 
aid, by the fact of his ordination to the ministry, 
and by the fact that he was determined to prose- 
cute it, " trusting in the Lord" for the necessary 
help. 

The action of the church in extending financial 
assistance seems to have been entirely unsolicited, 
— a voluntary act of Christian beneficence which 
brought its reward in a heightened spirituality and 
in a participation in a work for God the real extent 
of which eternity alone will reveal. The first aid 
given appears to have been bestowed in a tentative 
way, and originated in a disinterested suggestion 
that he should be recognized as a missionary ser- 
vant of the church. The subjoined letters in con- 
nection with this subject are of interest : 

208 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" Christiansburg, Va., February 17, 1870. 
" Reverend J. Spencer Kennard. 

" My dear Brother : — I have been troubled about writing 
to you, but, indeed, the pressure has been so great upon my 
time since my return from tour-of-inspection work that 
could not be laid over or postponed, that I was obliged 
to defer this, with other equally pressing correspondence, 
until, at least, I could have sufficient leisure to think over 
the past. 

" My January tour of inspection embraced six counties, 
and everywhere I went God's blessing seemed to follow 
me 

" In reference to the work of education, they are like 
hungry children, craving the bread of knowledge, and our 
efforts in this direction have been productive of the best 
results. Among the sick, afflicted, and destitute, and preach- 
ing the gospel to the poor, my time has been specially given. 
Indeed, my brother, it is wonderful what great things the 
Lord hath done for us. Some of the simplest remedies, in 
cases of almost life-long complaints, have, under the bless- 
ing of God, been productive of amazing results. In truth, 
I may say ' the blind have been restored to sight,' the 
' lame to leap as an hart,' and the ' deaf to hear.' Cancerous 
affections have been cured, scrofula and scores of other 
complaints have been successfully treated. I must, and 
cannot believe otherwise, but that it is the Lord's doings, 
in order to advance His interests and bring sinners to His 
cross. Wherever I have gone the people have flocked to 
the meetings and crowded the school-houses and cabins, 
bringing with them the sick and the poor in their necessi- 
ties. At one place, while preaching Jesus in a crowded 
cabin containing about fifty persons, more than one-half 
fell upon their knees and cried to God for mercy. At 
another place the entire congregation, composed very nearly 
all of unconverted persons, were moved by the story of 
the cross, and their hearts melted to tenderness by the 
power of the Holy Spirit 

" On my return I found a good feeling among the people, 
14 209 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and the religious interest gradually spreading, Christians 
awaking to duty, backsliders mourning over their sins, and 
every indication of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From 
night to night after the 3d instant the waters of God's 
grace have gradually risen 

" To-night the house was crowded again and the place 
filled with the Holy Ghost. Some who had resisted His 
power up to this time were compelled to yield and cried 
to God for mercy. At this meeting alone eight were hope- 
fully converted, and others left the place with light dawn- 
ing on their souls. It is said that gamblers on their way 
home from the meeting on Sunday night tore their cards to 
fragments and scattered them to the wind. 

" With the constant use of my voice day and night for 
more than a month, and having taken a heavy cold on my 
breast, it is with difficulty I can speak at this writing, but 
a heavy dose of medicine which I am about to take will 
doubtless bring me all right by morning, with the blessing 
of God upon it. 

" In regard to my preaching, it is without preparation, 
because I have had no time for either study or composition 
of sermons. All I can do is to carefully and prayerfully 
read over God's Word, and from the sacred truths declare 
the unsearchable riches of the gospel as the Lord may 
give me ability. My whole soul, however, is full of the love 
of Jesus, which makes it an easy task to invite sinners to 
come to His cross 

" Your disinterested kindness and that of the church in 
regard to the New-Year offering is fully appreciated. When 
I wrote you, however, relative to my appearing on your 
records as your missionary to the freedmen I did not mean 
that you should raise me a salary, but simply give a recog- 
nition of my services as an humble servant of the church 
and missionary of the cross ; — notwithstanding, if I may 
be allowed to use the amount so cheerfully donated for the 
purpose of building up Christ's kingdom among the people 
for whom I am specially laboring, and among the destitute 
of my own race, I shall be happy to do so, and as opportunity 
may be afforded render a faithful account of the trust im- 

210 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

posed upon me. I do feel that I am the Lord's, soul, body, 
and spirit, and the servant of the people for Jesus' sake. 
In regard to mj' support, etc., I will write you in a separate 
communication. May God bless you and your loved circle, 
and the brethren and sisters of the church, for their kind 
co-operation. 

" I remain yours in love, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 



" Christiansburg, Va., February 17, 1870. 

" My dear Brother : — In compliance with your special 
request, I enclose herewith my cash statement for the year 
1869. From January ist to February 17th I remained at 
my post without any outside personal assistance. From 
February i8th until May nth was spent in Philadelphia. 
Friends' appropriation commenced to include May ist, at 
twenty-five dollars per month. Appointment, Assistant 
Superintendent of Education, Va., Bureau of R., F., and A. 
L., to date July loth, to be paid at the rate of one hundred 
dollars per month when employed under special instruc- 
tions or orders, and to be furnished with actual cost of 
travelling-expenses and subsistence while travelling and 
cost of stationery and postage. By reference to the within 
account, the actual time employed can readily be determined. 

"This year (if possible) I want my own funds (interest 
on bonds and salary from the Government) to go towards 
special private purposes, which can only be effected by suffi- 
cient funds coming from other sources to meet the de- 
mands of my field. 

" If under these circumstances the brethren feel it in 
their hearts to aid me in my work, I shall feel grateful, and 
endeavor carefully to distribute all funds committed to my 
trust. 

" Your friend and brother, 

" C. S. Schaeffer. 
" To Reverend J. Spencer Kennard, Philadelphia, Pa." 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" Cash Account C. S. Schaeffer, 1869. 
Dr. — Receipts. 
Pay Assistant Superintendent Education, Virginia, 

Bureau of R., F., and A. L $235 50 

Special appropriation Friends' Freedmen's Associa- 
tion 200 00 

Interest on 5-20 Government bonds 270 00 

Premium on gold coupons 81 00 

Deacon W.'s Bible Class 10 00 

Brother W. W. W 10 00 

Brother J. S 10 00 

Brother T. Y. E 5 00 

Miscellaneous donations 78 50 

$900 00 

Cr. — Expenditures. 

Board $80 00 

Clothing 100. 00 

Improvements Christiansburg meeting- 
house 300 00 

Taxes and insurance Christiansburg 

property 15 50 

Travelling expenses — special 15500 

Postage and stationery account — special . . 40 50 

Aid to weak churches and schools 100 00 

Special benevolence, poor, afflicted, etc... 85 00 

Sundry personal supplies 24 00 

$900 00 

" Besides, I have had Government transportation, sub- 
sistence, postage, and stationery. Supplies of clothing, medi- 
cines, Bibles, school-books, papers, tracts, medical appli- 
ances, etc., etc., from the Friends' Freedmen's Association, 
Pennsylvania Abolition Society, Ladies' Union of Tenth 
Church, Young Men's Christian Association of Tenth 
Church, Friends in Ohio, and numerous individual friends 
of the freedmen, amounting, I presume, to two thousand 

212 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

dollars. Other societies besides those named above have 
contributed more or less of needed supplies.* 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 

" Christiansburg, Va., November 25, 1870. 
"Reverend J. Spencer Kennard. 

" My dear Brother : — Your kind favor enclosing ordina- 
tion certificate came duly to hand, for which please accept 
my grateful acknowledgments. I am truly glad you suc- 
ceeded with Brother P , and am encouraged to hope 

that he will be more prompt in other duties. We will ex- 
cuse his delay. 

" My heart and hands are still heavily crowded with the 
labors incumbent upon me, and in every direction the 
'cords are being lengthened and stakes strengthened' with 
a growing interest throughout my entire field. 

" Recently I organized a new church at Big Springs in 
this county, fourteen miles from Christiansburg, which has 
all the elements of strength and healthful vigor. Fifteen 
young converts have already been baptized into their fel- 
lowship, while others are awaiting baptism the coming Lord's 
Day. All my special charges, eight in number, including the 
mother church at this place, are now enjoying revival bless- 
ings and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

" During the past month seventy souls have been hope- 
fully converted, while a number of backsliders have been 
reclaimed. The converts further embrace some of the first 
class among the colored communities in which they live, 
whose influence will be to strengthen and build up the 
cause. Some of them are men of good moral training, whose 
hearts are already interested on the subject of the ministry. 

[* Note by the Editor. — A glance at the foregoing " cash 
statement" reveals the fact that Captain Schaeffer's personal 
expenses were considerably less than the income from his 
private investments, amounting to two hundred and nine- 
teen dollars and fifty cents, the remainder of this, and 
of all other receipts, having been applied to the work.] 

213 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

These we have taken under special instruction, and hope 
soon to get one or more of them ready for admission to 
the Theological School at Richmond. 

" By day and by night my own soul enjoys uninterrupted 
communion with the dear Saviour. 

" I am so thankful to my brethren for sustaining me here 
among this people, and in the future I will be more depen- 
dent upon them, as the special appropriation from the 
Friends' Association will cease with this month for want of 
funds. ' The Lord will provide,' however, and may He 
return into your bosoms an hundred fold for all the bless- 
ings secured to those for whom my heart is so deeply in- 
terested and for whose welfare I am laboring. For myself, 
I give all, ' and cotmt not even my own life dear unto me, 
so that I may win Christ.' 

" My report for the six months ending December 31st I 
will try to forward you prior to New Year's Day, and would 
love to be present with you at the time, but must forego the 
pleasure, as I cannot spend a moment unnecessarily from my 
work : and, indeed, I feel that only a real necessity would 
meet the approval of my Heavenly Father to grant a leave 
of absence. 

" May the Lord bless you in your labors, revive His work 
in the dear old Tenth Church, and gather many precious 
souls into His fold, who shall hear the Shepherd's voice 
and go in and out and find pasture. I am glad for your as- 
sistance in selecting the lantern. 

" Blessed be the name of the Lord ! I see His hand in 
everything working together for good. I remain your 
brother in Christ, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 

" Christiansburg, Va., December 31, 1870. 
" To the Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 

" Dear Brethren and Sisters : — The flight of another six 
months brings with it not only a retrospection of the past, 
but a summary of those labors and duties which were in- 
cumbent upon me, both as Christ's minister and your ser- 
vant for His sake; and to recount the goodness of God in 

214 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the rich returns and precious ingatherings of His favor, 
love, and mercy. 

" As during former months, my time has been crowded, 
and every possible diligence given to perform the whole 
of the work committed to my charge. Both day and night, 
through heat and cold, at home and abroad, I have not 
failed to be ready, at the Lord's bidding, to shoulder the 
cross, deny myself, and stand up in His name. 

" My duties have been similar to those referred to in 
former reports, — pressing the matter of education, aiding 
in the school work, the care of the poor, the maimed, the 
halt and the blind, and all in distress, the visitation and 
strengthening of the churches, and building up Christ's 
kingdom where light had not dawned, and telling to all 
the one true story of Jesus and His love. 

"'In journeyings often,' in perils by the way; life threat- 
ened ; made to flee for friendly shelter in the midnight 
darkness ; property destroyed ; but God, who is rich in 
mercy, hath brought me safely through all danger, and 
crowned my life with His loving kindness and tender 
mercy. To His holy name be all the praise ! My motto 
has been, ' Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I 
follow where He goes ;' yet not in my own strength, but 
in His only. 

" In regard to education among the freed people, the 
withdrawment of the National Government aid is sadly felt, 
and were it not for the friendly assistance of benevolent 
associations very many who now have school advantages 
would be deprived of them, notwithstanding a great deal 
is said about the free-school system going into operation 
in this State. In some of the large cities and towns the 
work has been commenced ; but whether it will reach the 
masses or not cannot yet be determined, or how long it will 
be continued is not known. It is certain a long time will 
elapse before general and permanent benefits will result 
therefrom. 

" I still have a number of schools under my charge, 
which I help in many ways and supply with the necessary 
books and other material to keep them in successful opera- 

215 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

tion, and by constant visitations encourage in the good 
work. 

" The First-Day schools particularly have received a 
great deal of my time and attention, and been furnished 
with all the necessary books, papers, and other supplies. 
Far and near they have received valuable aid, and great good 
has been accomplished in this direction of effort and a num- 
ber added to the visible church through the humble means 
employed, with God's blessing upon them. 

" The churches that I have been specially instrumental 
in gathering (a new one added since last report) are still 
in a prosperous condition and constantly receive tokens of 
God's favor and grace. 

" The following represents the baptisms into these 
churches since July i, 1870 : 

Original Present 

Membership. Membership. 

Christiansburg 19 264 

Pearisburg 7 57 

Alleghany Springs 6 43 

Lovely Mount 27 71 

Brush Creek 20 35 

New Hope 16 40 

Big Springs 19 43 

114 553 

" Some of my personal labors have been as follows : At- 
tended five funerals, preached forty-two times, lectured fre- 
quently, administered the ordinances, gave instruction to 
the ministry, deacons, and hundreds of young and old 
coming to consult on matters of religion. Have travelled 
through portions of eight counties, scattering in every direc- 
tion the good work of the Lord, and giving comfort in all 
cases of distress. I might go on and add to this report ; 
but enough, as time is precious and other pressing matters 
claim attention. Wishing you all a happy new year, and 
one of great prosperity in the cause of the Master, 
" I remain, affectionately, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 

21:6 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" Christiansburg, Va., January ii, 1871. 

" My dear Brother Edward Bains : — Your kind favor of 
the 4th instant is at hand on my return from an absence of 
several days filling an appointment at Lovely Mount, in this 
county, where the Lord has crowned my labors with His 
blessing. On every hand the good work is going on, with 
almost constant additions to the churches under my 
charge 

" In reference to the special matter of your letter, I am 
perplexed to know what to reply, as I would much prefer 
my brethren answering that question without consulting me 
at all. The matter of fact is this, I can do with little or I 
can do with much, just as the Lord gives it. I believe 
during the past I have had nothing more nor less than 
was needed. My motto is, ' the Lord will provide,' and 
when I seem to be in want, I go to Him with my petition. 
If there is a surplus in your treasury over what is really 
needed to carry forward your home and foreign interests, 
whether it be little or much, I might possibly come in for 
a share after all others have been supplied. Indeed, I would 
prefer it in this way, as the crumbs might be more accept- 
able to the Master than the loaf. I would, therefore, sim- 
ply suggest that you decide the question among yourselves, 
or else leave the matter open to see what pressure is made 
upon me for means to carry out the objects of my mission. 
If I succeed without the help of the church, you will have 
so much the more for other benevolent objects, and should I 
get pressed for funds, I can then tell you what the Lord 
wants. 

" In my last to my pastor, I stated that the Friends' As- 
sociation had withdrawn their help pecuniarily, but not- 
withstanding the action of their board, during the past 
month, instead of receiving twenty-five dollars special ap- 
propriation, they sent me thirty-five dollars ; and from other 
sources one hundred dollars in cash has come in for dis- 
tribution among the poor, with an invitation to call for 
more when that shall have been expended. Besides, from 
several sources (distant parts of New York and Ohio, and 
Philadelphia) supplies of clothing, etc., have been sent, 

217 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

only requesting an acknowledgment of their arrival. I, 
therefore, commend the whole matter to your good judg- 
ment, and as the Lord may direct you to decide 

" Your friend and brother in Christ, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER. 

" I will send the following cash statement of the past 
year of all moneys received and expended. It will enable 
you to judge of my necessities. 

" Cash Account of C. S. Schaeffer, 1870. 
Dr. — Receipts. 

Government salary to July, 1870 $383 41 

Interest on personal property 270 00 

Premium on gold 35 95 

Tenth Baptist Church of Philadelphia 600 00 

Friends' Association of Philadelphia 31000 

Friends' physical relief 225 00 

Proceeds of magic lantern 100 00 

$1924 36 
Cr. — Disbursements. 

Physical relief, special $225 00 

Aid to churches 455 00 

Aid to schools 75 00 

Special benevolence 45 00 

Special travelling expenses 135 00 

Purchase of horse 150 00 

Purchase of buggy and harness 70 00 

Purchase of magic lantern 17500 

Special postage 10 00 

Clothing 130 00 

Sundry supplies and expenses 46 00 

Paid old indebtedness 174 32 

Loaned,* see Luke vi. 35 234 04 

1924 36" 

* It is curious to observe the literal view taken of loans 
made to individuals in need, as per the passage named, 

218 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

The foregoing cash statement does not include 
various appropriations for school purposes which 
he disbursed, or such items of physical relief, etc., 
as are mentioned on page 277, doubtless equalling 
in amount the sum there named. 

It was with more than ordinary satisfaction that 
Captain Schaeffer accepted recognition from the 
Tenth Baptist Church as her missionary. While 
it has been shown how indefatigable he was in the 
cause of education and temperance, and how it 
cheered him to minister to the physical necessi- 
ties of the poor and sick, it was, after all, the re- 
ligious phase of his mission that burdened his heart 
and appealed most strongly to his sympathy and 
efforts. To possess the prayerful support and pe- 
cuniary assistance of the " dear old Tenth Church," 
as he was wont to designate her, was, next to the 
consciousness of the divine approval, a source of 
profound joy. His pastors, Rev. J. Spencer Ken- 
nard, D.D., under whose pastorate this recognition 
occurred, and Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D., his suc- 
cessor, were sincerely interested in him personally, 
and fully appreciated, with the entire church, the 
nature and extent of his operations. His semi- 
annual reports to the church, replete with interest- 
ing details, which it was his custom to render, 

Luke vi. 35, " But love ye your enemies, and do good, and 
lend, hoping for nothing again : and 3'e shall be the children 
of the highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to 
the evil." 

219 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

always commanded attention, and served the dou- 
ble purpose of communicating his successes and 
cementing more closely the bond of sympathy be- 
tween them. The relation on the part of the 
church was one of confidence and afifection, which 
he fully reciprocated. It carried with it no re- 
strictive rules, but allowed the widest liberty of 
action. His efforts, therefore, were in the main 
spontaneous and personal. 

Where duty called he went, what wisdom ap- 
peared to dictate he strove to accomplish, and by 
persistent prayer and uninterrupted communion 
with God he sought to place himself under the 
guidance of the Holy Spirit. He probably could 
not have wrought so satisfactorily to himself, nor 
so successfully for the cause of Christ, had he 
been forced to proceed along specific lines laid 
down by another or by an organization not on the 
field. For him the method followed was the best. 

In his actions he was cautious and hesitant, and 
indisposed to take any important step, actuated by 
mere impulse. The long years of struggle and 
waiting concerning the ministry, and the careful 
deliberation characterizing every important move- 
ment of his life, is evidence of the truth of this 
statement. But once having reached a conclusion 
which he believed to be in accord with the Word of 
God and the dictum of conscience, neither fatigue 
nor opposition nor peril could quench the intensity 
of his zeal. 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

The keeping of a daily record of his actions and 
experiences had caused him, perhaps uncon- 
sciously, to cultivate a habit of introspection, 
which had its natural consequence in the develop- 
ment of a sensitiveness of conscience that rendered 
him alert to every right claim. Moreover, the 
injunctions and warnings of Scripture, to " watch 
and pray," to " wait," to " be ready," and the like, 
were tremendous motives, urging to unremitting 
service and sacrifice. He was conscious too of 
impulses that he dared not gainsay nor resist. He 
recognized them as " monitions of the Holy 
Spirit," which if not heeded would " grieve" Him, 
" quench" His divine light, destroy his own spir- 
itual power, and imperil his soul. 

The extract below, from a letter to his pastor, 
illustrates this characteristic: 

" Christiansburg, Va., January i, 1877. 

" Dear Brother Rowland : — Your very kind and wel- 
come letter of the 12th ult. came duly to hand, and would 
have been answered sooner but for the pressure of duties 
which claimed my time day and night. 

"I have just hastily written off my report, and enclose it 
in this, in order that you may have it as soon as possible, 
although from present indications — a fierce storm raging 
to-night and a heavy fall of snow through the day — rail- 
road travel may be impeded and the mails delayed. 

" For a few weeks during the coldest weather I shall re- 
main at home and give attention to home interests, and 
prepare myself to fill several appointments to hold series 
of meetings as soon as the weather moderates, — at Fin- 
castle, where the church is very anxious for me to spend 
a little season again with them, and at other places that I 

221 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

could not reach during the fall by reason of the large num- 
ber of calls for help. 

" I will also, as far as possible, give the body necessary 
rest, as you have so kindly advised ; but this is a difficult 
task in itself, as there is so much to do, so many calls; 
and the weight of precious immortal souls, dying without 
Christ, acts as a heavy lever to force me into service. And 
then the words of the Master Himself as regards working 
while it is called to-day — ' the night cometh, when no man 
can work ;' what we have to do, to do it quickly and with 
our might, etc. And, more than this, the positive necessity 
of complying with the monitions of the Holy Spirit, who 
urges to duty, whispering at the same time to the soul, 
' trust in God and take courage.' Oh, with these impulses, 
come what may, it is better to suffer the loss of all things 

than to ofifend or grieve the Holy Spirit The Lord 

bless you abundantly in your own soul, and crown your 
labors with glorious results ! 

" Affectionately your brother in Christ, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER. 

" To Reverend A. J. Rowland, D.D." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

While the children and youth were making 
rapid progress in study, there yet remained a large 
number of persons, especially among the aged and 
those in middle life, to whom, by reason of their 
inability to read, the Word of God was a sealed 
book. This needy class appealed strongly to Cap- 
tain Schaeffer's sympathies. It occurred to him 
sometime in 1870 that they might be effectually 
reached by means of object-lessons, and that such 
a method of teaching would be of advantage to all 
classes. With this object in view he purchased a 
sciopticon lantern and a large outfit of picture 
slides illustrating Bible scenes and incidents and a 
variety of religious subjects. 

Using this apparatus, he gave illustrated lectures 
throughout a wide section of country, extending 
even into North Carolina, Tennessee, and West 
Virginia. They were not undertaken as mere en- 
tertainments for the amusement of the people, bat 
were strictly religious services, employed for the 
definite purpose of teaching the truth and preach- 
ing the gospel through the medium of the eye as 
well as the ear. The lecture accompanying the 
exhibition was both explanatory and practical, and 
gave opportunity not only for the impartation of 
the truth in a way easily understood, but also for 

323 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

a pointed application of the same. The views as 
thrown on the screen were interspersed with ap- 
propriate singing, in which all the congregation 
joined. Their popularity was remarkable, and 
they awakened much interest wherever shown. 
Many persons were convicted and some conver- 
sions occurred at these meetings, and in some 
communities they were found to be the first step 
in an extended work of grace. 

But they also subserved another important pur- 
pose. Scattered here and there among these moun- 
tains and valleys were many little churches which 
in their poverty maintained a precarious existence. 
Some of them were struggling to build meeting- 
houses, and most of them were under severe finan- 
cial pressure. Assistance outside their own 
parishes was not to be expected, and such aid as 
they might hope for must be obtained at home. If 
the communities where they were located could 
be brought under the influence of a pure gospel, 
and at the same time be induced to participate in 
its support, it would provide a source of self-help 
advantageous to both. Instead, therefore, of 
making these exhibitions gratuitous, a small ad- 
mission-fee was charged, and as the people flocked 
from all the country-side to attend them, consider- 
able sums of money were raised for the benefit of 
the churches. In this, as in other departments of 
work. Captain Schaeffer was entirely disinterested 
in his aims. Although the service was hard, the 

224 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

travel extensive, requiring frequent absence from 
home, often amid trying circumstances, in no case 
was any part of the proceeds appHed to his per- 
sonal use. Careful records show that after de- 
fraying the expense of travel and subsistence the 
balance went as a free gift to the church in whose 
behalf the exhibition was given. In not a few 
cases where, owing to stormy weather, the attend- 
ance was small and the expenses in excess of the 
receipts the whole amount was donated. 

It might be well to add, lest it should be inferred 
that too much stress has been laid on this part of 
the narrative, that, to say nothing of the " un- 
known quantity," the spiritual results, which, of 
course, it is beyond human power to tabulate, but 
which Captain Schaeffer estimated highly, the net 
cash contributed to these needy followers of Jesus 
Christ totalled seven thousand two hundred and 
six dollars and thirteen cents, about five thousand 
dollars of which sum was received between and 
including the years 1872 and 1878. Coming at 
a period of " beginnings," and at a time of such 
urgent need, the benefit of this providential aid 
in helping to establish these churches on solid 
foundations and in giving an impetus to the cause 
of Christ over all this large field can hardly be 
overestimated. 

Captain Schaeffer's devoted life previous to en- 
tering the army, and his separation from home and 
friends during and after the war, permitted but 
IS ' 225 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

little opportunity for social intercourse or thoughts 
of matrimony. His willingness at this period to 
sever social relations with the whites lest his col- 
ored friends should misunderstand his motives and 
his usefulness be thereby impaired, to which allu- 
sion has been made, was an act of painful self- 
denial. He felt the loneliness of his situation and 
longed for congenial fellowship. Now that in the 
providence of God it seemed probable that he 
should remain on the field, the desire for the com- 
panionship of one who could enter into sympathy 
with him and make one with him in the work 
and in all the walks of life became intensified. It 
is not, therefore, surprising to find, under date of 
June 14, 1872, the following somewhat unique en- 
try in his " Diary :" To-day entered into a mar- 
riage proposal by letter with Miss Ada A., daugh- 
ter of John and Elizabeth Smart, of Philadelphia, 
committing and commending all into the hands of 
the Lord." On June 22, 1872, this record appears : 
" Received a reply to my letter of the 14th instant. 
My offer accepted. May the Lord give unto us 
blessings unspeakable in this life, and in the world 
to come eternal felicity." 

Miss Smart and Captain Schaeffer were inti- 
mately acquainted, and in former days their mu- 
tual interest in religious duties had brought them 
together. Well-educated, experienced in church 
work, for years principal of the Primary Depart- 
ment of the Tenth Baptist Church Sunday-school. 

226 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

she was qualified for a life-partnership in a service 
of love for Jesus' sake such as he was seeking to 
promote. She was not unaware of the hardships 
and privations to be accepted as the wife of a 
missionary; but she resigned without regret com- 
parative ease and the elegancies of a home of 
wealth in order that she might unite with him in 
this trying and unselfish work. The marriage oc- 
curred November 28, 1872, and is thus noted: 
" Another memorable day in my life. United in 
holy wedlock with the one I love ; ceremony at the 
Tenth Baptist Church; reception at Mr. Smart's; 
started on wedding-trip late last night." 

This union was blessed in the birth of a son and 
daughter, the latter of whom passed away in the 
bloom of early womanhood. 

On her fifteenth birthday this dear child, Bessie, 
publicly professed faith in Christ in baptism, and a 
few months later, at the call of her Lord, entered 
into the " prepared mansions," her last words be- 
ing, " Going away." A sweet, amiable child, pos- 
sessing many beautiful traits of character, her 
death cast the first deep shadow across the thresh- 
old of this Christian home. But through it all 
was the exquisite comfort of trust in infinite love. 

There is no originality in sorrow, and so to this 
stricken man came those words of Job which 
through the centuries have voiced the mingled 
sorrow and resignation of an innumerable com- 
pany of the saints of God, " The Lord gave, and 

227 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the 
name of the Lord." The following from the 
"Diary:" 

August 14, 1892. — " Arrived in Philadelphia 
early this morning, where we brought our precious 
burden among the loved circle that had cared so 
largely for her through her earthly life. Found 
very sad times throughout the day, not, however, 
over the providence which removed our loved one 
from earth to heaven, but because of the tender 
feelings produced by the severing of the earthly tie 
and our irreparable loss." 

August 16, i8p2. — " Sadness reigns in our 
bosoms ; but God's grace is all-sufficient. On Him 
we cast all our care. Dr. Kennard and Dr. Row- 
land both with us to-day and lovingly attended the 
funeral services of our daughter. With many 
sympathizing friends we laid her body to rest in 
Ivy Hill Cemetery. And may angels guard her 
sleeping bed." 

The subjoined verses are extracts from lines 
written by him while the loved form awaited 
burial ; they v/ere the outgush of pent-up feeling 
that could no longer brook repression : 

" ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
Gone to the mansions of light; 
Where no sin ever intrudeth, 
But all is fair and bright. 
228 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
At Jesus' feet sat down, 
With the host of the ransomed. 
And those who wear the crown. . 

" ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
Where other loved ones have gone; 
Among the white-winged angels 
Forever surrounding the throne. 

" ' Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
Where the sun of eternal love 
Lights up the glorious city, 
Sparkling in brightness above. 

" * Gone away' to her Heavenly Father, 
Will cheer us while here we stay; 
It will prove to be sweet and not bitter. 
As we haste towards eternal day. 

" And when for us ' Gone away' is spoken, 
And we meet in the mansions of bliss ; 
The tie nevermore shall be broken 
That makes us eternally His, 

" Who died on the cross to redeem us, 
To save us from death and from sin ; 
To us brought a perfect salvation. 

And to all who are trusting in Him." 



229 



CHAPTER XIV. 

This memoir would be incomplete if mention 
were not made of the relations sustained by Cap- 
tain Schaeffer to the Valley Baptist Association 
of Virginia. This body was constituted in August, 
1866, by delegates representing four newly organ- 
ized churches, with a membership of less than five 
hundred, which had been brought together mainly 
through the efforts of Rev. J. P. Corron, mission- 
ary of the American Baptist Home Mission So- 
ciety. He was instrumental in its organization 
and its first moderator. From this apparently 
small beginning it has increased in influence and 
numbers, until at the annual gathering in 1899 its 
constituency included twelve thousand eight hun- 
dred and eighteen members. 

Captain Schaeffer's first meeting with this body 
was, by invitation, at its session of 1868, while 
still a lay member of the Tenth Baptist Church of 
Philadelphia, on the occasion of the reception of 
the First Baptist Church of Christiansburg into its 
fellowship, which latter he had recently organized. 
The only white member, he soon became greatly 
beloved throughout its bounds for his disinter- 
estedness and good works. His modest unobtru- 
sivenecs, his knowledge of Baptist usage, and his 
administrative ability gave his opinions and sug- 

230 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

gestions great weight in those early days in ex- 
pediting business and in forwarding the general 
interests of the denomination. Home and foreign 
missions, ministerial education, a high standard 
of ministerial morality, the orderly conduct of re- 
ligious services, and every movement looking to 
the elevation of the brethren and the Baptist cause 
received an impulse from his presence and counsel. 

His first official position in the body was his 
unanimous election in 1871 as corresponding sec- 
retary, an office created at that time, in which he 
faithfully served until 1876. For a number of 
years he assisted in the preparation of the minutes 
for the printer, and in 1881 he was elected clerk, 
and continued in that capacity until his death, a 
period of eighteen years. 

A feature at some of these associational gather- 
ings, in which he took a prominent part and of 
which record is made in the minutes, was the Sun- 
day-school mass-meeting. These occasions were 
memorable not only for the immediate pleasure 
they afforded, but because of the knowledge they 
imparted of improved and efficient methods of con- 
ducting and teaching Sunday-school, and because 
of the large quantities of Sunday-school and other 
literature which he in one way or another managed 
to procure and freely distribute. 

For example (1878): "Lord's Day, at 8.30 
A.M., the Association participated in the general 
Sabbath-school gathering of the teachers and 

231 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

scholars of the school connected with the First Bap- 
tist Church at Christiansburg, and with the repre- 
sentatives and delegates connected with sister 
churches. The exercises consisted of Bible les- 
sons, recitations, singing, Infant-Class exercises, 
addresses, etc., all under the superintendency of 
Elder C. S. Schaeffer, superintendent of the Chris- 
tiansburg school. Papers, books, and tracts were 
also distributed, including fifty Sabbath-school 
libraries, thirty small libraries for licentiates and 
Sabbath-school workers, and twenty pulpit Bibles, 
— all gifts from the Friends' Freedmen's Associa- 
tion and Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa." 
On the twentieth anniversary of his connection 
with the Association, the session being held with 
the Memorial (First) Baptist Church, Christians- 
burg, in their meeting-house, recently finished, the 
subjoined is recorded in the minutes: 

" Friday, August 6, 1886. 

" The following was submitted, and on motion it was re- 
solved that it be embodied in our Minutes: 

" This Association expresses its high appreciation of the 
twenty years' labor of our beloved Elder, C. S. Schaeffer, 
in building up the cause of Christ in our .midst, and for 
providing educational advantages for so many of our people. 

" For the first time we gather in the pleasant and com- 
modious house of worship, erected at this place at a cost of 
twelve thousand dollars, the church home of the Memorial 
Baptist Church, to whom the entire property has been 
deeded; also, adjoining the church grounds, school prop- 
erty to the value of ten thousand dollars has been deeded 
to the trustees of the Christiansburg Institute. 

" The remarkable purity and healthfulness of the atmos- 
232 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

phere, its accessibility by Norfolk and Western Railroad, 
the beauty of the surrounding scenery, commanding a view 
of over sixty miles of country, renders the location pecu- 
liarly eligible for a seat of learning for the Christian educa- 
tion of our race." 

But it was not in his official capacity, nor yet in 
its deliberations, that he exerted the most potent 
influence upon this body of Christians, but rather 
in his immediate relations with the churches com- 
posing it. He was directly instrumental in the 
constitution of a large proportion of them, and in 
close touch with nearly all, especially in the earlier 
years of his ministry. He assisted and encouraged 
the pastors, counselled and instructed the deacons 
and officials, helped and advised in conducting 
business meetings, aided the churches financially, 
as has been intimated, held from time to time in 
many places evangelistic meetings, preaching for 
days together and bringing hundreds of souls to 
the feet of Jesus; in a word, without authority, 
save a profound sense of duty and a passion for 
the salvation of men, doing a work for God which 
none questioned, and loved by all for his personal 
godliness and the work's sake. He could truth- 
fully say with the Apostle Paul, in the prosecution 
of his labors, that it was in " journeyings" and 
" perils" often, and in " painfulness and weari- 
ness." " Besides those things that are without, 
that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all 
the churches." 

233 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

If it be true, as the Scriptures and observation 
appear to indicate, that churches, like individuals, 
take on a type of character which clings to them 
though the personnel changes with time, it seems 
also to be true that at least some of the churches 
with which he was in closest communication still 
exhibit the impress of his work and character. 

It would be interesting at this point in the nar- 
rative to follow the cases already noted with ad- 
ditional citations from the diary, and relate cir- 
cumstantially the facts concerning the organiza- 
tion of others of the churches called into existence 
through Captain Schaeffer's instrumentality. Most 
of them were established in localities where utter 
religious destitution prevailed; a few here and 
there where there were feeble bodies holding 
Pedobaptist sentiments. 

He mentions in a report to the Tenth Baptist 
Church, Philadelphia, under date of July i, 1872, 
this singular fact : " I gathered an entire flock, 
with the pastor, of over two hundred of what are 
termed Primitive Baptists, into our fellowship." 
So far as can be ascertained, not a single church 
of all those organized by him in those early days 
has gone out of existence ; most of them are flour- 
ishing, several are strong and influential, and 
throughout his entire field of labor, among the 
colored people, Baptistic sentiments largely obtain. 
Whatever may be said in the public prints and else- 
where — and there is not a little discussion, even 

234 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

at this late day — with respect to the influence of 
education, intellectual and spiritual, upon the 
Afro-American generally, it can be positively af- 
firmed that in the section of Virginia in which 
Captain Schaeffer labored the great mass of the 
colored people are intelligent, law-abiding, indus- 
trious, and thrifty, and show to the unprejudiced 
observer the gratifying fruits of his seed-sowing 
in the cause of education and Christianity. 

With regard to the Memorial (First) Baptist 
Church of Christiansburg, his first organization, 
and of which he was pastor during the last twenty 
years of his life, its register shows the addition of 
sixteen hundred and twenty-nine members, mostly 
by baptism. The following is an incomplete list 
of the churches organized by him, most of which 
are associated with the Valley Baptist Association 
of Virginia. Two associations have gone out from 
this body, with which four or five named in this 
list are members. From reliable information, it 
appears that Captain Schaeffer also organized a 
few churches in East Tennessee and some others in 
Virginia, but in the absence of names and dates, 
which cannot now with certainty be obtained, one 
cannot speak with authority. As no mention is 
made of these in the diary, it is probable that he 
was not directly instrumental in bringing them 
together, although doubtless assisting in their es- 
tablishment, as he did in numerous cases of which 
he gives no hint. 

235 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

That he was exceedingly careful not to ascribe 
to himself credit will be seen when it is stated 
that in the records of the Memorial Baptist Church 
of Christiansburg, which were kept by him from 
the beginning, he has so thoroughly effaced him- 
self, that were it not for the fact that much of 
his life-work is recorded in the diary and enshrined 
in the hearts of the people, there would be record 
of it only in heaven. 

List of Churches. 

Memorial, Christiansburg, Montgomery County, Va., Oc- 
tober 4, 1867. 

Alleghany Springs, Montgomery County, Va., January 
17, 1869. 

Pearisburg, Giles County, Va., July 3, 1869. 

Lovely Mount, Montgomery County, Va., November 6, 
1869. 

Brush Creek, Montgomery County, Va., April 24, 1870. 

New Hope, Montgomery County, Va., June 18, 1870. 

Big Springs (Elliston), Montgomery County, Va., Octo- 
ber 23, 1870. 

Castle Craig, Campbell County, Va., April i, 1871. 

Chapel Grove, Campbell County, Va., April i, 1871. 

Callans, Pittsylvania County, Va., April 16, 1871. 

Chatham, Pittsylvania County, Va., July 18, 1871. 

Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Va., July 18, 1871. 

Cave Field, Montgomery County, Va., July 23, 1871. 

Little River, Floyd County, Va., July 27, 1871. 

Gravel Hill, Botetourt County, Va., April 21, 1872. 

Mount Pleasant, Campbell County, Va., June 30, 1872. 

New Bethel, Pittsylvania County, Va., July 2, 1872. 

Wytheville, Wythe County, Va., 1873. 

New River Bridge, Pulaski County, Va., November i, 
1873- 

High Rock, Montgomery County, Va., 1873. 
236 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Wake Forest, Montgomery County, Va., December 5, 1874. 

Jacksonville, Floyd County, Va., 1877. 

Newport, Giles County, Va., September 30, 1877. 

First Dublin, Pulaski County, Va., 1878. 

Bell Springs, Pulaski County, Va., July 27, 1888. 

First Pulaski, Pulaski County, Va., 1889. 

First Radford, Montgomery County, Va., 1891. 

High Point, Wythe County, Va., 1897. 

Rich Hill, Pulaski County, Va., 1898. 

Though not perhaps the actual founder of the 
Buchanan and Fincastle churches of Botetourt 
County, he was interested in them almost from the 
beginning of their history, and had much to do 
with their subsequent growth and efficiency. 

Of his work in the organization of Sunday- 
schools, Captain Schaeffer does not appear to have 
kept a systematic record. Wherever possible, as 
has been stated, they were organized in connection 
with the week-day schools, and in the aggregate 
the number was quite large. 

What may with propriety be termed Captain 
Schaeffer's " wayside" work deserves special men- 
tion. There are not a few Christians, and per- 
haps some preachers of the gospel, who are par- 
ticularly interested in men in the mass, and whose 
prayers and individual efforts are exerted mainly 
in behalf of mankind. If they can sway large 
bodies of men by their eloquence or set in operation 
methods which will move the multitude, they rest 
content. They appear to feel that they are under 
no obligation to single out men and seek to save 

237 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the lost one by one. They lose sight of the fact 
that this was Jesus' way, and that some of His 
most vital discourses were delivered to single 
hearers, as to Nicodemus and the woman at Jacob's 
well. In this respect Captain Schaeffer followed 
his divine Master. He loved the " audience of 
one," the hand-to-hand and face-to- face work. In- 
deed, from the beginning of his Christian experi- 
ence he realized his personal responsibility to any 
unsaved sinner with whom he was brought in con- 
tact. It has already been stated how he agonized 
in prayer for sinners and sought to bring them to 
the feet of Jesus. This practice soon became a 
habit, and with the passing years the passion of 
his soul. 

In his work among the humble and poor he 
seems never to have had the fear of man before his 
eyes. What he accomplished in this direction ap- 
pears almost incredible; it is difficult to couch it 
in language which might not be regarded as exag- 
gerated. 

His " Diary" is replete with instances of this 
" wayside" personal work and its successes. It 
was his wont to stop the wayfarer as he met 
him by the roadside, and with beaming face and 
words of persuasion and warning urge the claims 
of a Saviour. At the bedside of the sick and dying 
he sought to solace and to save; he tarried with 
little groups in their cabins as he passed by, and 
talked of the great salvation; he rejoiced in the 

238 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

privilege of supplying medicines and physical re- 
lief for the opportunity it afforded of holding up 
the cross; he sought out those under conviction 
of sin that he might point them to the " Lamb of 
God, which taketh away the sin of the world;" 
the unconverted were always the objects of chief 
concern in the houses where he was entertained, 
and were earnestly prayed for at the family altar, 
and besought to give themselves to Christ; he 
walked many a weary mile to counsel in their 
homes those who in his meetings were under ex- 
ercise of mind and had been unable to find light; 
the children loved him, and his benignant smile 
and cheery word never failed to win their hearts; 
in a word, he literally '' went about doing good." 
No estimate in figures can be formed of the good 
he wrought in this simple. Scriptural way; and 
it is doubtless true that in the last great day, in 
comparison with the more ostentatious methods of 
spreading the gospel, his unpretentious work will 
by some be contemplated with astonishment and 
shame. 



239 



CHAPTER XV. 

Amid his varied and laborious duties Captain 
Schaeffer found little time for general reading and 
study. He made no effort to keep abreast of cur- 
rent literature, and beyond an occasional book, to 
which his attention had been called, read but little 
in that direction. Though it could hardly be said 
that he was a " man of one book," yet it was mainly 
the Bible and books which would aid in its investi- 
gation to which he gave attention. The Bible was 
to him the Word of God, and its dictum was the 
end of all discussion. He entertained no sympathy 
with the so-called " higher criticism" which has 
befogged so many professed Christians in the mists 
of doubt and skepticism, but held, with Glad- 
stone and Moody and many another successful 
champion of the Cross, great and small, that the 
book of books is, in spite of all the assaults which 
have been hurled against it, " The Invulnerable 
Rock of Holy Scripture." He believed that 
" every scripture is inspired of God, and profitable 
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for in- 
struction which is in righteousness." He laid un- 
relaxing grip on its truths; mind and heart were 
saturated with its teachings ; and as a preacher of 
the gospel, it armed him with authority and fired 
him with holy enthusiasm. To him sin, the judg- 

240 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ment, the second death, were awful realities; an 
atoning Saviour, the forgiveness of sin, eternal 
felicity, precious certainties. When he stood be- 
fore the people as a preacher, it was as God's am- 
bassador. As a " dying man to dying men," — a 
phrase which he uses again and again, — " he ceased 
not to warn every one day and night with tears." 

It was this appreciation of eternal verities and 
sense of responsibility that filled him with earnest- 
ness and power. 

He also knew men. His life-long introspection 
of his own heart; his acquaintance with men in 
all the walks of life — in revivals of religion in his 
home church, in the army amid the clash of bat- 
tle, in the hospital among the sick and wounded, 
at the clinic prayer-meeting, and especially with 
the class for whose welfare he was laboring — had 
given him a clear insight into the springs of action 
and emotion by which the souls of men are moved 
in the crises of their destiny. And thus it was 
that he could enter into sympathy with the penitent 
sinner. He knew how to allay doubt, to stimulate 
faith, to quicken the uncertain spark into a flame 
of love, — in a word, to " bring" men to Jesus. 

He also knew God. The Spirit of God dwelt 
in him richly, and he continually sought to know 
the " mind of the Spirit." To the Holy Spirit he 
looked for strength and guidance, and for that 
subtle " power" with men which comes only to 
those who have " power" with God, and which it 
i6 241 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

were better not to attempt to explain upon psycho- 
logical grounds, as some try to do, as if men could 
be hypnotized into the kingdom of God. It was a 
pivotal part of his belief that it is the office work of 
the Holy Spirit to " convict the zvorld with respect 
of sin and of righteousness and of judgment." 
He therefore distrusted self, and waited humbly 
before God, often in agonizing prayer, assured that 
the " increase" must be given by Him. 

As a preacher of the gospel, he wasted no 
thought on special methods or the " machinery" of 
revivals, but in apostolic fashion preached " Christ 
and Him crucified," repentance towards God and 
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, " Jesus and the 
resurrection" and the fundamental doctrines of 
Christianity. As a rule, his sermons received care- 
ful preparation, though the exigencies of the occa- 
sion often demanded purely extemporaneous dis- 
course. They were always simple in arrangement 
and without attempt at rhetorical effect, spoken in 
language understood by all the people, — forceful, 
pointed, practical, and directed to the heart rather 
than to the intellect. They were, in truth, God- 
given messages to a messenger called of God, and 
he made them to many an unconverted soul the 
" power of God unto salvation." 

In the pulpit his manner was dignified and sol- 
emn, as became one bearing a message from God, 
and discouraged the boisterous expression of feel- 
ing which sometimes swayed these emotional peo- 

242 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

pie. Moreover, his tender pleadings and warning 
exhortations were often mingled with tears, and at 
times his soul seemed to be on fire with consuming 
desire for the salvation of his hearers. 

Not seldom for days together, during the prog- 
ress of a series of evangelistic meetings, he so 
travailed in soul for sinners as to feel almost 
crushed under the burden of responsibility. It was 
perhaps in this evangelistic work that he accom- 
plished the largest service for the Master. For 
more than ten years, in the intervals of other work, 
he was incessantly engaged in filling appointments 
among the churches throughout his field in con- 
ducting revival meetings. God used him in this 
way in the conversion of many hundreds. Full 
records of his experiences on these occasions are 
preserved in his " Diary." A single instance is 
subjoined, at the risk of being tedious, in order to 
confirm what has been written, and that the inter- 
ested reader may further study his character: 

September 6, i8y8. — " Proceeded via Lynch- 
burg to Hoi combe Rock Church." 

yth. — " To-day participated in a Sabbath-school 
woods gathering. Exercises interesting and en- 
tertaining." 

8th. — " Participated in the Sabbath-school ex- 
ercises. Much interest manifested. Afterwards 
the pastor conducted a funeral service. In the 
afternoon I preached to a crowded congregation 

243 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

from Hosea x. 12, ' Sow to yourselves in right- 
eousness, etc.,' the instruction specially directed 
to the church. At night preached from Luke xiv. 
18, * And they all with one consent, etc' At the 
close nine anxious inquirers came forward for 
prayers, while twenty bowed in the congregation. 
A very solemn and impressive meeting, with indi- 
cations of the Lord's presence and blessing. Re- 
turned to my rest with my heart burdened for 
souls." 

pth. — " Spent the day in reading, etc. At night 
found a great change in the prayer-meeting, with 
indications of the breaking up of the fallow 
ground. Preached from Gen. iii. 9, ' Where art 
thou?' with my heart brimful of anxiety for the 
perishing in my congregation. On the invitation 
being given, fourteen came forward for prayer, 
while many bowed in their seats, wrought upon, as 
we trust, by the Spirit, and anxious for the salva- 
tion of their souls. Before the meeting closed one 
young woman professed faith in Christ and others 
seemed near the kingdom. Returned to my rest 
with thankfulness to God, but with a heavy burden 
for lost souls." 

loth. — " Spent the day in writing, talking about 
the great salvation, etc. At night met a crowded 
congregation and preached from Matt. xxii. 42, 
' What think ye of Christ ?' My whole soul in a 
glow, and deep seriousness prevailed throughout 
the assembly. The number of inquirers increased, 

244 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

but no converts. Returned to my rest with my 
heart warm and burdened for the souls of my fel- 
low-men." 

nth. — " My heart troubled ; the Lord help us. 
Please come to-day into the hearts of the people; 
dispel the clouds of unbelief from their eyes, and 
continue to convince the impenitent ' of sin, of 
righteousness, and of judgment to come.' Spent 
the day in reading, etc., and at night, notwith- 
standing the rain, met a good congregation, with 
about forty anxious inquirers. Preached from 
Luke xvii. 26, ' As it was in the days of Noe, etc' 
The Lord with His servant and in the midst of the 
people. A solemn and impressive season. And 
although the work seemed deepened in the hearts 
of inquirers, yet none came to the full liberty to 
witness for Christ and His great salvation. Re- 
turned to my rest more deeply bowed in soul and 
craving God's special mercy in behalf of dying sin- 
ners." 

I2th. — " Feel to carry the weight of souls upon 
me. May the Lord help us, and that speedily. 
Send forth light and salvation among the people. 
Very rainy and stormy weather, particularly at 
night, so that we did not even attempt to go to 
meeting." 

13th. — " Brother Lowry left me to-day to fill 
his appointment at Pine Grove Church. The Lord 
look in great mercy upon us, and fill the pastor's 
vacant place with His own sacred presence, power, 

245 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and blessing. Have just spent an hour with a 
young brother who called to talk with me, in whom 
there seem to be indications of usefulness in the 
Master's service. My heart warm and drawn to- 
wards him while we talked of matters pertaining 
to the great salvation. May the Lord bless him 
abundantly. At night a crowded congregation. 
Preached from Judges xvi. 3, ' And Samson, 
etc' The occasion one that perplexes me. Some- 
times there seemed to be waves of blessing roll 
over us and then a deadening calm. A large 
number of anxious souls forward, with new 
cases, but at times the singing and praying did 
not seem to go right. One, however, professed 
hope in the Saviour; and although truly thank- 
ful for this, yet left the place weighed down 
and in trouble for the salvation of the people, and 
that the brethren and myself may fully realize the 
condition of affairs and entreat God to come to our 
help. Returned to my rest deeply troubled in mind." 
14th. — " Arose this morning with my trouble. 
Spent the morning in writing, etc. Afternoon at- 
tended inquirers' meeting. Only four of that class 
present and a few brethren and sisters. Had a 
solemn and interesting season. Tried with God's 
help to clear up their way to confiding trust in the 
Saviour. Two of them gave evidence of having 
been blessed of the Lord, but a dark shadow over 
their minds prevented them from publicly owning 
Him. At night visited a sick young woman, quite 

246 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ill and without a hope. The mother a Christian, 
but most of the family outside the kingdom. 
Preached a little sermon to them, or at least talked 
in their midst, sang a hymn of encouragement, and 
commended them to God. Returned to my rest 
with heart burdened, but, casting my burden upon 
the Lord, soon was sleeping peacefully." 

i^th. — " A beautiful, clear Sabbath morning. 
Arose with weighty responsibilities as God's ser- 
vant resting upon me. Proceeded to the Sabbath- 
school and gave special instruction to the teachers 
and scholars. A solemn as well as interesting sea- 
son. Afterwards preached to a large congregation 
from Luke ii. lo, ' Behold, I bring you, etc' When 
I went into the pulpit I had another subject on my 
mind, one that I intended to present particularly 
to Christians, but one of the inquirers of yesterday 
coming in — a prominent man in the community, 
head of a large family, and only the wife and one 
daughter on the Lord's side — and openly confess- 
ing faith in Christ, it seemed to make so great an 
impression on the congregation that I was at once 
led to change my subject and present a full and 
free gospel to all my hearers. The Lord helped 
me wonderfully, and while there were no further 
professions of faith in Jesus, yet the work seemed 
deepened in the hearts of both Christians and in- 
quirers, and among those entirely outside of grace 
and salvation. In the afternoon I preached again 
from Rev. xxi. lo, 'And he carried me away, etc.,' 

247 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and another solemn season followed, the Lord 
working mightily in His unworthy servant and 
among the people. Oh, my heart was so full of 
divine grace and love that I could not express it. 
The number of inquirers increased and the work 
deepened among them. At night met an overflow- 
ing congregation and a wonderful time was ex- 
perienced. Preached from Mark xvi. 15, ' Preach 
the gospel to every creature.' My soul on fire with 
God's love and love for souls. My Lord's Spirit 
seemed to have full control of my tongue as well 
as my heart while I testified to a rich and plenteous 
gospel. A glorious season followed and very many 
were added to the number of inquirers, and the 
Sabbath-school for the first time began to be repre- 
sented, the work having begun with the older per- 
sons. During the meeting, amidst glad exclama- 
tions, six happy souls professed faith in a loving 
Saviour. A time of great blessing, and may God's 
name be praised. Returned to my rest with glad- 
ness of heart on the one hand and weighed down 
with the heavy burden of souls on the other. 
Some of them seemed on the very point of yield- 
ing, but suffered themselves through lack of con- 
fidence in God to be cheated of the blessing 

With all the labors of the day felt strong in lying 
down for rest." 

idth. — " Arose this morning with a very sweet 
and precious influence over my mind, but with the 
heavy weight of precious souls upon me. May 

248 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the Lord grant large desires in prayer to-day and 
may many souls be blest. Preached again to a 
large congregation from Isa. xlix. 24-25, * Shall 
the prey be taken, etc' The Lord with His ser- 
vant, giving great strength of mind and heart with 
clear conceptions of truth. A most precious time 
experienced and eight happy souls professed faith 
in Christ, among whom were some that my heart 
had been in great sympathy with. Could not get 
from the meeting-house until quite a late hour, 
as the people seemed to be unwilling to leave the 
place without a blessing. Returned to my rest with 
heart overflowing with thankfulness, but with the 
burden still upon me for those in trouble about 
their souls and those who up to this time have re- 
jected the offers of the gospel. There were new 
cases, however, to-night, and a filling up of the 
places occupied by those who have found Christ." 

i/th. — " Rested delightfully, peace filling my 
soul. Feel again the deep anxiety this morning. 
The Lord come to our help to-day and bless many 
precious souls. This morning attended the burial 
of a little child. At night a large congregation 
present. Preached from 2 Kings vii. 19, ' And 
that the Lord, etc.,' subject. Unbelief. The Lord 
wonderfully helped His servant — new cases for- 
ward and four professed faith in Christ. Stopped 
for the night quite a distance from the meeting- 
house." 

i8th. — " Engaged as usual through the day 
249 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

talking on the great subject of salvation. Stop 
almost every night at a different place, and thus 
come in contact with different persons through the 
day to whom I preach Jesus. The woman who 
buried her child yesterday buried another this 
afternoon. At night another large meeting. 
Preached from 2 Kings v. i, ' But he was a leper.' 
Experienced usual freedom and blessing to my 
own soul. Subject, ' God's ways not ours.' Two 
professed faith in Christ and the usual interest 
manifested. At the close sixteen happy converts 
testified to what the Lord had done for their souls 
and gave themselves for baptism and church fel- 
lowship. A precious season enjoyed. Had several 
miles to walk before resting." 

ipth. — " Spent the day in the usual way, teach- 
ing in the neighborhood where we were stopping. 
While alone experienced an overwhelming sense of 
divine love. At night met the usual congregation 
with the same large gathering of inquirers. 
Preached from Psl. vii. 12, 'If he turn not, etc' 
Experienced great enlargement of heart and won- 
derful liberty in preaching. Two more professed 
faith in Christ, while the number of inquirers filled 
up the entire room around the pulpit. Seven happy 
converts gave their experience before the church 
and were received as candidates for baptism and 
church fellowship. Had some five miles' distance 
to walk before lying down to rest." 

20th. — " Spent the day rejoicing with young 
250 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

converts, talking to inquirers, and urging sinners 
to seek their souls' salvation. Enjoyed a precious 
season at night. Commenced my sermon from 
Mark i. 41, 'And Jesus, moved with compassion, 
etc.,' but did not get along far before some young 
converts came forward rejoicing in God's unspeak- 
able love. Turned the meeting into one of prayer, 
praise, and instruction to inquirers. Three pro- 
fessed faith in Christ, and four in all gave them- 
selves to the church for baptism and fellowship. 
Returned to my rest truly thankful to the Lord 
for the blessed work on our hands and with my 
heart going out after the troubled ones." 

2ist. — " Made all my arrangements to go home 
to-day, but could not feel satisfied to leave. Spent 
the day in preparation for the morrow, and at 
night attended the church's business meeting, when 
a number of excluded members were restored to 
fellowship." 

22d. — " Arose soon, feeling the Lord's special 
presence with me. Experienced a delightful time 
in the Sabbath-school, from which a number of the 
young converts have been gathered. Afterwards 
preached in the grove to a very large congregation 
of the people; text. Acts ii. 41, 'Then they that 
gladly, etc' The Lord gave me His divine Spirit 
in an enlarged measure and His truth burned in 
my lips. Afterwards the pastor baptized twenty- 
seven happy converts — a scene long to be remem- 
bered by those who witnessed it. My own heart 

251 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

filled to overflowing with sacred joy and humble 
gratefulness to God. After refreshments gave the 
hand of fellowship amidst general rejoicing and 
praise to the Lord. Following this the church as- 
sembled around the table of the Lord, when I in- 
structed the people from i Cor. xi. 21-23, par- 
ticularly as regards the Lord's Supper. Had a 
blessed season, with reviving and soul-strength- 
ening influences among the people. At night re- 
assembled. A large gathering. My heart moved 
on entering the meeting-house. The young con- 
verts on one hand and many inquiring souls 
on the other. Another one who had found hope 
came and gave us her hand. Gave special in- 
struction to-night to those received into fellowship 
to-day; text, John xxi. 15, ' Feed my lambs.' The 
Lord's presence and strong help experienced all 
through the services. After giving attention to 
anxious ones, the young convert referred to testi- 
fied to what the Lord had done for her soul and 
was received as a candidate for baptism. Several, 
we understand, expressed themselves as fully con- 
vinced by the truth presented in their hearing to- 
day, and say they must go with us. Left the place 
with my heart yearning for the conversion of the 
troubled ones and full of joy with the saved. Set 
apart to-morrow as a day of special prayer for the 
conversion of souls. Returned to my rest with 
some weariness of body but with wonderful 
strengthening influences of God blessing my soul." 

252 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

2^6. — " Received refreshment in sleep. I ex- 
perienced this morning a strange influence of min- 
gled sadness and peace, with joy in the Holy 
Ghost. The Lord give us the same spirit and soul- 
trust that all have had who prevail in prayer, and 
grant Thy special blessing this day upon many 
souls. Towards evening a heavy rain set in and 
very few gathered for meeting. Experienced, 
however, a blessed season — one of precious influ- 
ences and God's grace. Returned to our resting- 
place through the rain, thanking the Lord for the 
refreshing showers of His grace." 

24th. — " Arose with the burden of souls. Vis- 
ited old and sick and gave encouragement and 
medicines. At night met a large gathering of the 
people. Preached my farewell sermon from Acts 
XX. 32, * And now, etc' Two professed faith in 
Christ and three related their experiences before 
the church. Experienced a sad time on parting 
from the many inquirers, brethren and sisters and 
others, but commended them all to God and the 
word of His grace. The result of the meetings so 
far as known is thirty-five conversions, twenty- 
seven converts baptized, six restored, fifty to one 
hundred inquirers, and many in the background 
revived and the church strengthened. To God be 
all the praise. Returned to my rest full of sadness 
but with grateful thanksgiving to God." 

25th. — " Returned to Christiansburg to-day." 



253 



CHAPTER XV.L 

Uncle Richard Taylor, the venerable and 
pious pastor of the First Baptist Church of Chris- 
tiansburg, died February 2, 1879. Although for 
ten years he had been the nominal pastor, officiating 
at the celebration of the ordinances, supplying the 
pulpit, performing most of the functions pertaining 
to that office, and was beloved by all the people for 
his saintly character and the work's sake, yet Cap- 
tain Schaeffer had been in fact from its organiza- 
tion the real administrator of its affairs. The 
superintendent of the Sunday-school, the origi- 
nator and prime leader in all movements, he 
was deeply interested in everything affecting its 
prosperity. The peculiar relations sustained by 
him to the church rendered it no easy matter 
to unite upon a successor to Mr. Taylor. The 
difficulty lay in finding a man who, though nomi- 
nally pastor, would work harmoniously under 
the unassuming yet no less firm leadership of Cap- 
tain Schaeffer. In this crisis, after very urgent 
solicitation, he yielded consent to temporarily ac- 
cept the pastorate. A unanimous call was, there- 
fore, extended to him, which action he notes as 
follows : " May 2, 1879, was elected by the Chris- 
tiansburg Church as pastor until a permanent pas- 
tor shall be elected. The Lord bless us with a re- 
vival of His work in our midst." The reasons 

254 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

which constrained him to accept this call in this 
tentative way were twofold. He was by no means 
certain, in view of the existing race prejudice, that 
he could accomplish the largest results for the 
church and the cause as its recognized pastor. The 
relation was anomalous, and it demanded the test 
of actual experiment to prove its advantage. More- 
over, of the utmost importance was the undeter- 
mined question of the effect it might have upon his 
wider ministry. He, therefore, wisely adopted a 
middle course which provided for the present exi- 
gency and left him free for future action. He was 
exceedingly happy in this closer relation with the 
church. The connection thus formed was broken 
only by his death, twenty years later. During the 
whole period a beautiful spirit prevailed among the 
members, their mutual work was greatly blessed, 
and that which was undertaken simply as an ex- 
periment, in the light of subsequent events was 
seen to have been of God. 

This new office brought with it an increase of 
labor and responsibility to hands and head and 
heart already overburdened. The scope of his use- 
fulness was constantly increasing, and he was, per- 
haps, in the midst of the most active period of his 
missionary career. His " Diary" and semi-annual 
reports to the Tenth Baptist Church about this time 
are particularly noteworthy, and show alike his 
abounding zeal and remarkable success. The 
churches were prospering financially and spiritu- 

255 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ally. The distribution of Bibles, books, and 
various literature was continued as formerly, and 
the articles for physical relief, especially medi- 
cines, came to him in large quantities and accom- 
plished untold good. The schools at Christians- 
burg were increasing the sphere of their influence 
and power, and larger buildings and better facili- 
ties were urgently called for. The Holy Spirit 
was moving with mighty power in the churches 
and among the people, and hundreds were being 
brought to accept the Saviour. 

Under date of January i, 1878, he writes to the 
Tenth Baptist Church : ". . . . I am just in re- 
ceipt of a letter from one of the teachers of the last 
session, who prior to leaving professed faith in 
Christ, and since returning to her home has been 
added to the Baptist Church. This makes the 
fourth teacher who has obeyed Christ and been 
added to us by impressions received during their 
sojourn in our midst. Our household further has 
been wonderfully blessed in the conversion of all 
who have sojourned among us, even to the errand- 
boy and cook In regard to the revival 

spirit in the churches and numbers converted, I 
have never been able to furnish you with numerical 
results. For instance, a meeting held in one lo- 
cality, where crowds gather, will draw to it people 
from a distance; these, returning to their own 
locality, — some revived Christians, some happy 
converts, some convicted sinners, — will cause an 

256 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

interest to be started in their several neighbor- 
hoods. I have known of six neighboring churches 
to be awakened to life and energy in this manner. 
Then, again, I have found it best to leave the bap- 
tism of candidates, except where especially re- 
quested, or where no other administrator was at 
hand, to my colored brethren in the ministry, as I 
believe Paul did, thus fulfilling the work of a mis- 
sionary of the Lord Jesus. I have given myself as 
much as possible to teaching and the care of the 
churches. Very generally in the section where I 
am laboring the freed people are gathering 
strength, and the marked progress and improve- 
ment is acknowledged by all. The Valley Baptist 
Association has grown to over one hundred 
churches and nine thousand members." 

Again he writes to the Tenth Baptist Church, 
under date of January i, 1879: "During the 
month of July our labors were confined to the 
churches close about us, and in preparation to en- 
tertain the Valley Baptist Association, which con- 
vened with us in the early part of August, at which 
time our (my) pastor (Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D.) 
favored and strengthened us by his presence. 
Since the meetings of the Association we have had 
a continuous series of revival blessings reaching 
a circuit of about two hundred miles, in which the 
churches we have been instrumental in organizing, 
besides others visited, have received large acces- 
sions to their membership, numbering hundreds in 
17 257 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the aggregate; and not a superficial work by any 
means, but one of great strength, that will have its 
influence for good in all time to come." 

Another extract from a report to Tenth Baptist 
Church, under date of July i, 1880: ". . . . Our 
schools closed a very successful term on May ist, 
with many of the students not only advanced in 
their studies, but, becoming Christians, have con- 
secrated their talents to the service of the Master. 
.... The Sabbath-school work has also received 
our special attention, and many schools have been 
furnished with Bibles, Testaments, and other nec- 
essary supplies. Large number of converts have 
been added to the churches from these schools, 
many of whom in the future will be shining lights 
among this people. There is no cessation of the 
general interest wherever I go. All seem hungry 
for the gospel, and many feed upon it with a relish, 
which is evidenced by their growth in grace and 
knowledge of the Saviour. There is much im- 
provement in the manner of living: the marriage 
relationship is held more sacred ; the proper bring- 
ing up of children is receiving more care; the 
people have better accommodations and are gather- 
ing comforts about them ; and the increase in real 
estate and the general prosperity show us the re- 
sults of the Lord's workings in their midst." 

The old frame meeting-house on Zion's Hill, 
erected by Captain Schaeffer when he began his 
mission in 1867, within whose sacred walls scores 

258 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

on scores of souls had been converted, and scenes 
enacted which thrilled the angels with rejoicing-, 
had long been inadequate to the uses of the church 
and its increasing membership. He had for 
months had in contemplation the erection of a sub- 
stantial building, capacious and convenient, suited 
to the requirements of the church, and which 
would be a credit to the denomination and an 
incentive to all the churches. The obstacles to be 
confronted in view of this enterprise were numer- 
ous and not easily overcome. Though the com- 
munity had improved in material resources, and 
generally were in much better circumstances, the 
people were still comparatively poor and unable to 
assume large financial obligations. The liberality 
of the Northern friends of the negro, upon whom 
large drafts had been made in the past, had lost 
something of its fulness and spontaneity. The 
Friends, to whose Christian beneficence he was so 
greatly indebted in his general work, in this purely 
sectarian effort, as they would regard it, could not 
be expected to contribute anything. His only 
ground of hope lay in what might be secured from 
the sacrifices of the people, his influence with per- 
sonal friends in Philadelphia, and the encourage- 
ment he had in the promises and unfailing re- 
sources of God. Writing to the Tenth Baptist 
Church, under date of January i, 1881, he says: 
" In connection with my general oversight of the 
Valley Baptist Association, I have had under spe- 

259 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

cial charge the Christiansburg Baptist Church, 
which has received considerable attention. As you 
are aware, we have been trying to build a new 
house of worship of sufficient dimensions to hold 
our congregations. This we were hopeful to have 
accomplished during the past year, but did not suc- 
ceed, although we have raised a considerable 
amount towards it. We shall want assistance in 
this work, and hopefully look for it during the 
early part of the present year. The house we need 
and ought to have will cost five thousand dollars. 
.... In some of the other churches we have had 
precious revival seasons with a goodly number 
added to the membership. Several have dedicated 
new houses of worship, taking the places of the old 
log buildings with ground [earth] floors, well ven- 
tilated and conveniently seated." Again he writes 
to the Tenth Baptist Church, a year later, January 
I, 1882 : " I present this, my semi-annual report for 
the six months ending December 31, 1881, and call 
upon you to rejoice with me, and give our precious 
Lord praise and honor for the work of grace 
vouchsafed to us at Head-Quarters, as well as for 
the good seasons of revival in a number of the 
churches throughout our field of missionary effort. 
At this point eighty-one professed faith in Christ 
during our special meetings, and at the present time 
there are still those among us anxious about their 
souls. Although the extra meetings have ceased, 
yet the spirit of them prevails, and I have never 

260 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

known the church here to be so full of the power of 

a living Christianity During Christmas 

week we made special effort to raise funds for our 
new meeting-house. What was raised I know in 
many cases to have been the result of great self- 
denial. You are already aware that we want to 
build the present year, and that efforts will be made 
early in the spring to increase the fund to the 
amount needed for the work." 

It was Captain Schaeffer's desire to proceed with 
the erection of the church edifice and school build- 
ing simultaneously, but funds were received so 
slowly that another year elapsed before he felt war- 
ranted in going on even with the former. He 
found it necessary in the winter of 1882 and 1883 
in the interests of this enterprise to visit friends in 
Philadelphia. He met with substantial encourage- 
ment. Under date of January i, 1883, in his re- 
port to the Tenth Baptist Church, he says : " . . . I 
am hopeful during my present visit, although it 
will be but for a few weeks, to secure sufficient 
(funds) to meet all demands, and thus put to rest 
a matter which has troubled us so long. In direct 
missionary efforts among the freed people we have 
been, as usual, successful, and large numbers have 
turned to the Lord. We esteem it the most blessed 
year of nearly seventeen of our labor among them. 
The same co-operation has been extended to us as 
in the past, and the money and supplies contributed 
have met all demands." 

261 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Having in view the erection of these buildings, 
he purchased ten and seven-eighths acres of land 
adjoining his property at a cost of fifteen hundred 
dollars; two acres of this plot he added to his 
private grounds, and the remaining eight and 
seven-eighths acres were divided as sites for the 
proposed buildings as his contribution to the cause, 
and transferred under a deed to a board of trustees 
to be used for church and school purposes forever. 

The building which they proposed for them- 
selves was to be forty by sixty feet, with vestibule 
and lecture-room on the first floor, and main audi- 
ence room with end gallery and baptistery on the 
second floor. It was to be built of brick, with 
neat stained-glass windows and belfry; and though 
plain and unpretentious, it was superior to most 
of the houses of worship in that section of coun- 
try, even among the whites. 

After five years of patient waiting and ener- 
getic work, having accumulated sufficient funds, 
as was thought, to make certain the completion of 
the undertaking without going in debt, on the 23d 
of April, 1883, ground was broken for the foun- 
dations with appropriate religious exercises. 
Meanwhile the church was making self-denying 
efforts to contribute to the cause and gifts were 
coming from outside sources, so that the building 
was pushed rapidly forward and placed under 
roof. But being at the end of their resources, 
work was discontinued for a time and the win- 

262 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

dows boarded up as a protection from the weather. 
Work was resumed in the spring, and on the 24th 
of November, 1884, the lecture-room was dedi- 
cated to the worship of Almighty God. 

Concerning this glad event the " Diary" records : 
" A wonderful day for us — entered the lecture- 
room of our new meeting-house. The Sabbath- 
school after partial exercises formed in procession 
at the old meeting-house, the ministry first, then 
the ' Banner Classes,' followed by the students of 
our schools and the older people, singing as we 
entered the new building, ' Beautiful Zion, city 
of God.' " 

But they had reached a crisis. They were in 
their new house, indeed, but with no means to 
complete it and considerably in debt besides. 
Owing to the expense of bringing workmen and 
much of the material from a distance, it was 
found that the cost when finished would exceed 
double the original estimate given them by the 
architect. Though discouraged. Captain Schaef- 
fer was not dismayed. In this exigency he first 
laid his case before the Lord, then acquainted his 
friends with his necessities, and trustingly awaited 
the issue. It was not long till the skies began to 
brighten. Little by little contributions were re- 
ceived. On the loth of January, 1885, he was over- 
joyed, but not greatly surprised, at the receipt 
of a letter, which he thus notes in his " Diary :" 

" Received a letter this morning from , trans- 

263 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

mitting check, amount two thousand five hundred 
dollars, towards our church-building fund as a 
memorial to her deceased son, who was once a 
scholar in the Tenth Baptist Church Infant-school 
under charge of my wife. The Lord be praised 
for this manifestation of great kindness to His 
servant. Felt that I must renewedly consecrate 
my life to His service." 

In writing to this lady, whose liberality is only 
exceeded by her great modesty, in acknowledg- 
ment of her gift, among other things he says : 
" Oh, I do not know how to express my thank- 
fulness to you for your generous help. Ever 
since the receipt of your letter I have been lifting 
up my heart to our kind Heavenly Father in grati- 
tude to Him for remembering His servant in the 
great pressure that rested upon him, and for the 
relief granted in this time of sore need. For a 
time I could do nothing but weep tears of joy and 
gratitude as the Lord's faithfulness passed before 
me, and I felt that I must over and over again re- 
consecrate the remainder of my life to His ser- 
vice. My wife joins me in receiving your kind 
offering as a memorial of the dear one referred to, 
whose young life it was once her care to instruct 

in the way to God and heaven As far as 

possible I will comply with your wishes to give 
as little publicity to your kind act as our obliga- 
tion to the building-fund demands, and will with- 
hold your name from the published statement." 

264 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

These opportune contributions, coming, as Cap- 
tain Schaeffer believed, in direct answer to prayer, 
though relieving him from present embarrass- 
ment, still left a considerable deficit. The build- 
ing, which he confidently expected could be com- 
pleted for five thousand dollars, had really cost the 
considerable sum, for that time and place, of 
eleven thousand two hundred and eighty-two dol- 
lars and twenty-nine cents. It was a pretty struc- 
ture and a conspicuous object in the landscape. 
Of it he says : " A temple built unto the Lord 
upon the mountain top, attracting the notice of the 
people in all directions from hill-top to hill-top. 
It is the first object that attracts the eye of the 
traveller passing along this great railway." 

On October 4, 1885, the house, being finished 
and furnished, was solemnly set apart for the ser- 
vice of God. The event is thus recorded in Cap- 
tain Schaeffer's " Diary :" " The day opened with 
heavy rain-clouds. At eight o'clock I pulled the 
bell-rope for the first time, when sweet, mellow 
peals rang out from the belfry, calling the people 
to the dedication services already announced. The 
children with their parents and friends gathered 
in the lecture-room for their service. The dedi- 
cation services followed in the main audience- 
room, and just as they commenced the heavy rain- 
clouds scattered and the bright sunlight illumined 
the place. The occasion was one of great interest. 
Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D., pastor of the Tenth 

265 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Baptist Church, Philadelphia, preached the ser- 
mon from Psalm cxxii. i, * I was glad when they 
said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.' 
.... At this service I presented a deed of the 
property to the trustees of the church. My soul 
praises the Lord that He has permitted me to see 
this day, so long looked for. And now may I 
also have this one more favor from the Lord, to 
be helped out of the final indebtedness, which I 
have assumed in His name. O Lord, bring Thy 
servant safely through." 

Though relieved of the immediate strain, the 
deficit and the cost of furnishing the audience- 
room had yet to be provided for, and the way 
seemed hedged. His, however, was an operative 
faith, and while he called mightily upon the Lord, 
he failed not to use every possible avenue that 
might avail to bring to pass the desires of his 
heart. There was a period of several months 
during which his faith was severely tried, and 
the burden almost overwhelmed him. These lines 
are found in his " Diary" under date of November 
27, 1885 : "Arose this morning with my heart bur- 
dened for the salvation of souls, and with other 
burdens pressing upon me of meeting our obliga- 
tions on account of our building operations. I 
could only find ease of mind by pouring out my 
soul unto the Lord and committing all into His 
hands. Attended to writing through the day, and 
at night had another deeply interesting meeting. 

266 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Still an increase among the inquirers. Returned 
to my rest burdened in soul." 

The Lord is faithful, nor does He try His ser- 
vants beyond that which they are able to bear. 
And, therefore, while his burdened heart is 
" committing all into His hands," as a covenant- 
keeping God, by one of his stewards whose heart 
he has touched — accordantly with His promise, 
" before they call, I will answer" — God had al- 
ready sent His answer speeding on its way as fast 
as the United States mail could carry it. 

The following day, November 28, 1885, this 
remarkable record is made : " The pressure of lost 
souls resting upon me. O Lord, come to our help 
and do not tarry. Turn the hearts of the children 
of men unto Thyself. Spent the day in writing 
letters and preparation for the pulpit. In the 
evening mail received tidings of help in my build- 
ing embarrassments — another thousand dollars 

from my dear Sister [the same generous 

hand which had been opened to relieve his former 
need]. The fountain of my heart broken up. 
Was obliged to retire to the secret place and pour 
out my thanksgiving before the Lord and to ask 
His divine blessing upon our benefactor. O Lord ! 
O Lord ! my soul doth bless Thee from the depths 
of my being for Thy unfailing goodness." 

Previous to the receipt of this timely help in 
the hour of his extremity. Captain Schaeffer had 
invited Mr. Edward Kimball, known as " the 

267 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

great debt-raiser," — whose remarkable success in 
aiding churches to reHeve themselves of indebted- 
ness in Philadelphia and elsewhere had been 
brought to his attention, — to visit Christiansburg 
and assist them in lifting their burden of debt. 
Accepting the invitation of the church, Mr. Kim- 
ball arrived on Saturday, December 5, 1885, and 
at once making his plans, the following Sunday 
pledges for the whole amount were obtained, and 
subsequently all paid. Thus their new meeting- 
house was freed from debt, and on January i, 
1886, in commemoration of this event, the name 
was changed to the Memorial Baptist Church of 
Christiansburg, Va. In noting this fact he says, 
" And may it stand as a memorial of a covenant- 
keeping God." 



268 



CHAPTER XVII. 

More than nine eventful years had passed since 
Captain Schaeffer, in comphance with the strong 
desire of the Memorial Baptist Church of Chris- 
tiansburg, Va., had assumed the pastoral office. 
In those years great things had been accomplished, 
not only in erecting a house of worship, but in 
building the spiritual temple as well. Living in 
the fellowship of the Spirit and in love, the church 
had acquired much power, her services were dig- 
nified and deeply religious, and her influence was 
felt far and wide. But Captain Schaeffer was 
under the impression that perhaps the time to 
sever the pastoral relationship had come, and that 
he ought to submit the subject to the church and 
to the Lord for a decision. He therefore, on the 
7th of October, 1888, the twenty-first anniversary 
of the church, " Spoke (at the Lord's Day ser- 
vice) of the expected annulling of the pastoral re- 
lationship, and stated that the engagement was 
only for a time, to aid in building a house unto 
the Lord, etc. Afterwards the Lord's Supper — 
a most impressive occasion. Much tenderness of 
heart." On October 20, 1888, he writes: " I was 
to-night waited on by the clerk of the church, who 
notified me that on Wednesday evening of last 
week, at a large church meeting, it was voted to 

269 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

recall their former servant at a salary of five hun- 
dred dollars per annum. The clerk stated that 
the vote was unanimous. The Lord direct His 
servant what He would have him to do." 

It was only after a number of days of serious 
consideration, and with much fasting and prayer, 
that he at length reached the conclusion that duty 
required him to continue his ministry with this 
people to whom he had given so many evidences 
of his love. The succeeding ten years of this 
faithful service were rich with the fruitage of 
saved souls, hardly a year passing unblessed by 
reviving grace. 

The Big Springs Church, Elliston, Montgomery 
County, Va., organized October 3, 1870, by Cap- 
tain Schaeffer, had grown in influence and power. 
The membership were anxious to build a new 
meeting-house, and he was impressed that it was 
his duty to aid them in this enterprise by adding 
to his cares and burdens the pastorate, which they 
strenuously pressed him to do. He therefore, on 
the 1st of November, 1882, " accepted their unani- 
mous call to act as pastor until the new meeting- 
house shall be completed." This house of wor- 
ship was finished and dedicated to the worship of 
Almighty God October 8, 1888. The dedicatory 
services were conducted in a way, customary with 
him, that would interest and make lasting impres- 
sions upon the people. " At the appropriate time 
the procession formed with the children in front, 

270 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

following the elders and deacons, then the church 
members and friends moving forward, singing 

* Let us walk in the light.' When the head of the 
column reached the foot of the hill on which the 
new building stood this chorus was struck up, 

* Marching up Zion's hill,' as they passed en- 
tirely round and into the meeting-house." 

A considerable debt remained on this building, 
for which he made himself responsible, and which 
was not fully liquidated until 1890. On the 29th 
of December of that year the subjoined memoran- 
dum is found in his " Diary :" " The entire balance 
on the Big Springs property, which I assumed 
prior to the dedication of the building, is now set- 
tled, and a service of praise and thanksgiving was 
held (to-day) of most precious character. Re- 
turned to Christiansburg with my heart full of 
gratitude to God." Here also abundant harvests 
of " such as were being saved" were gathered, 
and the church lovingly followed his leadership 
until his death. His custom for some years was 
to spend two Lord's Days monthly with this de- 
voted people. 

The little Blacksburg Church, Montgomery 
County, Va., about eight miles from Christians- 
burg, had a mortgage indebtedness upon its prop- 
erty, due a lawyer who was pressing for payment 
and threatening to foreclose. In their extremity 
they appealed to Captain Schaeffer for relief. 
After carefully considering the matter, he agreed 

271 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

to become responsible for the debt and temporarily 
to act as pastor until they could extricate them- 
selves from their difficulties. A formal call was 
extended to him January 8, 1888, with the un- 
derstanding that he was to officiate once a month. 
The small salary he proposed to apply to reducing 
the indebtedness. Concerning this new charge he 
says : " The Lord be pleased to make my engage- 
ment with the Blacksburg Church one fraught 
with blessing. As Thou hast blest me in other 
charges, so abundantly in this. I lean on Thee." 

So successful were his efforts in raising funds, 
that by December 31, 1890, the entire amount of 
the debt had been paid. But as the meeting-house 
was in bad repair, needing a new roof, and the 
stone foundations were giving way, he consented 
to remain as acting pastor until this work also was 
done and the cost provided for. This was not ac- 
complished till August, 1892. Under his training 
the church had learned to manage its finances 
wisely, and had increased in general efficiency. 

The following is an extract from what appears 
to be the last missionary report of Captain Schaef- 
fer to the Tenth Baptist Church of Philadelphia, 
Pa. It is under date of January i, 1889, and has 
particular reference to the disposition made of the 
salaries received from the churches with whom 
he sustained the relation of pastor : " . . . . The 
special churches which I have served during the 
year as acting pastor have paid me salaries as 

272 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

follows : Christiansburg, three hundred and eigh- 
teen dollars and seventy-seven cents; Big Springs, 
five hundred and fifty-seven dollars and eighty- 
three cents, and Blacksburg, one hundred and 
eighteen dollars and eighty-one cents, all of which 
has been used in meeting their obligations of 
building and other indebtedness. Not a cent has 
been appropriated to my own use. I have con- 
sidered it incumbent upon me to teach them their 
obligation to the pastoral office, at the same time 
using the money for their own benefit and as my 
donation to the objects involved. The work on 
my hands, instead of decreasing, is enlarging, un- 
til I scarcely have breathing-room, and how to 
meet it I do not know, save by humble reliance 
on the Lord, etc., etc." 

The Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, had 
done a noble work in the support given to Cap- 
tain Schaeffer. It was, perhaps, the most memor- 
able of its many achievements, if measured by the 
results. Its pastors. Rev, J. Spencer Kennard, 
D.D., and his successor. Rev. A. J. Rowland, D.D., 
with his many warm admirers and friends in that 
body, had not only been enthusiastic in their sym- 
pathy, but had contributed fully twenty thousand 
dollars from time to time for disbursement on his 
field. But from various causes the circumstances 
of the church had changed, chiefly because the 
house of worship was in a locality from which its 
membership was rapidly drifting into the newer 
i8 273 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

portions of the city. Its newly elected pastor and 
the financial managers found themselves under 
burdens which only under considerable difficulty 
they were able to carry. As early as 1887 they 
were, with much regret, compelled to reduce the 
annual appropriation to him, and finally to aban- 
don it altogether. The subjoined extract from a 
letter to the Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, 
is inserted here because it explains his relation to 
this fund, and is characteristic of his self-denying 
methods : 

" Christiansburg, Va., November 28, 1887. 
" Dear Brother Wm. M. Bains : — Your kind letter of 
the 16th inst, in which you inform me of the action of the 
Tenth Baptist Church in reducing the appropriation to the 
work in which I am engaged for the year 1888 from six 
hundred dollars, as heretofore, to four hundred dollars, on 
account of benevolent funds falling short, reached me safely. 
As regards the matter, we have been very grateful for the 
help afforded, and although during all these years the funds 
received have not been spent towards our own support, but 
used entirely in the work among the freed people, yet with- 
out it we could not have continued on the field, for I could 
not have been a witness to the necessities of the people with- 
out being able to assist in giving relief. My own support 
and that of my family has alone been secured by hard work 
on our part and making the very best of our circumstances, 
with some help from personal friends, so that we have 
succeeded up to this time in meeting all the demands upon 
us, but without one cent of surplus. The funds coming to 
us from the ' Smart estate' are being used, first, towards 
the education of our children, and as thank-offerings in help- 
ing on the Lord's work at this place, and in building a house 
of worship at Big Springs ; second, we have been sadly in 
need of further home improvements and sufficient land to 

274 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

make it unnecessary to rent. Now, my dear brother, I 
have made this statement because a good many people think 
that we receive our personal support from the church. In- 
deed, it was recently so inferred in a printed communica- 
tion which I read in a Baptist paper published in this State. 
But we have done as Paul did, labored with our own hands 
to supply our necessities, and yet at the same time have been 
full of work for the Master. 

" Therefore let us say, that whatever the Tenth Church 
is unable to do for us is so much benevolent work on this 
field unaccomplished ; and you must decide that matter, 
and not we. As for ourselves, we are ' spending and being 
spent' in this service. A little further as regards the funds 
the church has sent us. They have helped here and there; 
been used and re-used and used again in so many different 
ways, — helping churches, schools, communities, families and 
individuals, and occasionally ourselves under pressing cir- 
cumstances for the time being, preventing families from 
being turned out of house and home. On one occasion 
eleven homes were sold over so many families' heads with- 
out their ability to save themselves. With your aid, I 
bought this property in and gave them back their homes. 
I just give you a sample of one direction of your beneficence. 

But it would take volumes for me to write it all out 

" I remain your brother in Christ, 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 

It will thus be seen how careful Captain Schaef- 
fer was in the application of benevolent funds 
received from various sources. They were not 
employed for the benefit of himself and family, 
but were scrupulously spent in the service to 
which he felt the Lord had specially called him. 
The demands of his field were so exacting that 
he could not rest content to appropriate any part 
to himself, although certain funds he could have 

275 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

used at discretion with the utmost propriety. He 
preferred, however, to obtain support from the 
products of his farms, which he in part owned and 
in part rented. This, with special aid from per- 
sonal friends, afforded a comfortable living, which 
in later years was augmented by sources of in- 
come which it is not necessary to mention here. 

The appropriation from the Tenth Baptist 
Church ceased in 1890, although a few personal 
friends continued regularly to send their contri- 
butions till his death. About this time, also, the 
" Friends" began gradually to withdraw their sup- 
plies of medicines, clothing, and various other 
articles for physical relief. They naturally felt 
that the freedmen had enjoyed the benefits of their 
new conditions of life long enough to be fully 
able to help themselves. And, generally speaking, 
this was true. The people in this section had 
profited in a marked degree by their educational 
and religious privileges, and were thrifty, indus- 
trious, and moral; but there was, as there always 
will be in every community, a class of the de- 
serving poor who were unable to obtain relief, 
and Captain Schaeffer at his own cost made it a 
rule to supply them as far as possible with medi- 
cines. He always went provided, at the large 
gatherings of the Valley Baptist Association of 
Virginia, with such simple remedies as were in 
constant demand for gratuitous distribution, which 
proved a boon in many cases and saved doctors' 

276 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

bills, which the people could ill afford to pay. And 
from his home the needy poor were never turned 
away. 

He was very methodical in business matters, 
and kept accurate accounts of all moneys passing 
through his hands. As far back as 1880 the fol- 
lowing condensed statement of account was fur- 
nished by him to his friend, Dr. James E. Rhoads, 
late president of Bryn Mawr College, who was 
profoundly interested in his work. 

Extract from statement to Dr. James E. 
Rhoads, September 8, 1880: 

" Receipts. 
Amount of cash on hand (personal) May, 1866. . $2,400 00 
Receipts from salary (Government service) and 
all other personal sources, including sciop- 

ticon exhibitions 24,359 60 

Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa 8,37533 

Other benevolent sources, including the Friends' 

Freedmen's Association, etc., etc 9,080 84 

State and county authorities for school purposes. 1,050 00 

"Disbursements. $45,265 77 

Aid to churches $7,206 13 

Educational work 8,380 86 

Physical relief 2,891 29 

Travelling expenses, including ex- 
penses of Virginia Singers, and 

sciopticon exhibitions 7,574 57 

All other expenses, including pur- 
chase of burial-lot 13,944 92 

Purchase of real estate 5,ooo 00 

Postage 268 00 

$45,265 77 

277 



I 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

" Besides medicines, clothing, and supplies of all kinds, 
estimated at over one hundred thousand dollars. The above 
does not include the support of the Christiansburg schools 
and numerous other schools prior to October i, 1872, nor 
means received from the Freedman's Bureau and other 
indirect aid to various special objects claiming attention, 
amounting probably to ten thousand dollars more. 

" C. S. SCHAEFFER." 

Since the foregoing statement was made, up to 
and including the year 1898, Captain Schaeffer's 
books show that he received and expended thirty- 
seven thousand nine hundred and fifty-three dol- 
lars and sixty-eight cents. Of this amount about 
seven thousand five hundred dollars, or less than 
four hundred and fifty dollars per annum, — con- 
siderably less than he actually received, — was ap- 
plied to his own use. These beneficent funds came 
largely from the Friends' Freedmen's Association 
for building and school purposes, from the Tenth 
Baptist Church and other organizations and indi- 
viduals whose aid had been given him from the 
beginning of the work. In addition to the sums 
in cash contributed, the supplies for physical relief, 
which came for years liberally after 1880, aggre- 
gated large figures, but in the absence of any 
authorized estimate there appears to be no way of 
arriving at their value. The cost also of building 
the meeting-houses at Christiansburg, Big Springs, 
and Blacksburg, a large part of which he actually 
donated, and the successful completion of these 
houses of worship, rendered possible only by his 

278 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

indefatigable efforts, with the substantial assist- 
ance given in building the meeting-house at 
Wytheville, aggregates twenty thousand dollars 
more. Well may it be said, in view of what he 
was successful under God in accomplishing, alike 
on the spiritual and material side of his ministry, 
" What hath God wrought !" 



279 



CHAPTER XVII I. 

It was a matter of much concern with Captain 
Schaeffer that his people should be well-grounded 
in the principles of Christianity. In the churches 
which he directly served, candidates for baptism 
were carefully examined and instructed by the pas- 
tor and deacons before admission to membership. 
The memorizing of the Bible was an important 
feature in the exercises of the Sunday-school, in 
which old and young alike were encouraged to 
engage. Many thousands of Scripture verses were 
thus committed to memory annually and made a 
part of the mental furniture of the pupils. This, 
in connection with the study of the International 
Sunday-school Lessons, bore abundant fruit in a 
church rooted and grounded in the Word of God. 
But in addition to this thorough work in the Sun- 
day-school, as early as 1877 ^^^ organized a class 
in theology, which met at intervals not only to 
study the Bible, but for the special investigation 
systematically of the great fundamental doctrines 
of Christianity. These classes were attended by 
licentiates, deacons, officers of the church, the 
older students in the Institute, and others, and 
were blessed of God in developing the spiritual 
life of the church and fitting the members for 
larger usefulness. It was in part through such 

280 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

measures as these that the wide influence for good 
exercised by this church is to be accounted for. 

Captain Schaeffer was endowed with a special 
aptitude for interesting the minds and winning 
the affections of children. There was something 
in his manner and voice which appealed to their 
childish sympathies, and his face shone with a 
kindliness of expression which they could not re- 
sist. A favorite sacred plantation melody of his, 
which he sang about the house and when at work 
in the garden, the chorus of which ran, — 

" Let us shine, shine, shine like an angel, 
Around the throne of God," 

seemed to express a personal desire. And some- 
how — perhaps to our too partial eyes it seemed so 
— his face did appear to shine with a kind of su- 
pernal light, as if at times he approached very near 
to the " throne," and brought away with him some 
slight reflection of the heavenly glory. Whether 
that be true or not, there can be no question that 
habits of thought Godward and constant com- 
munion with the Lord Jesus — and such was his 
habit — will make their impress on the physical 
countenance, and this was particularly noticeable 
in this man of God. 

And so he won old and young, but especially the 
children. Giving his personal superintendence to 
the Sunday-schools, he was always solicitous for 
their spiritual welfare, encouraged them in the 

281 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

path of duty, and rewarded them for faithful ser- 
vice. But at the same time he was not unmind- 
ful of their enjoyments, and was wise enough to 
indulge them in innocent pleasures that he might 
hold them to the church and win them for God. 

In this way the Sunday-schools belonging to 
his several pastorates were brought to their high 
degree of efficiency, and in the sum-total of spir- 
itual results made to compare favorably with much 
larger and better equipped schools among the 
whites. He also sought by various suitable and 
proper entertainments to make the meeting-houses 
social as well as religious centres for their respec- 
tive communities, the wisdom of which was justi- 
fied by the general disposition of the people to at- 
tend the house of God. 

It is to data supplied by Mrs. Schaeffer that the 
writer is indebted for the materials from which the 
following facts and incidents are compiled : 

Thanksgiving Day was a great occasion. It 
was his custom to have all the children present at 
the service. After the sermon and just before 
closing, stationing himself at the end of one aisle 
loaded with nuts and apples, the little children 
were first formed in line, and marching past him 
each one took from the basket as many nuts as 
could be grasped in one hand, and with the other 
hand an apple, and so passed out through another 
aisle. Following the children were the mothers 
with babies in their arms, then the older folk, and 

282 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

last of all any one who wished to partake. He 
would gather the chestnuts from a little grove on 
the place with his own hands, and in seasons of 
scarcity was so grudging of them that he would 
refuse to eat a single one, lest there should not be 
enough to go around at Thanksgiving. When 
gathering apples from his own trees a certain 
quantity was regularly set apart for this Thanks- 
giving observance, and in case of a failure of the 
crop he bought a supply, rather than disappoint 
the children. 

Christmas was another gala-day for himself and 
the young people. At first there was a great 
Christmas-tree every year, but at last the schools 
became so large, and the tax was so heavy on 
him personally, that he was obliged to omit this 
feature every other year. He seemed unwilling 
to ask the church or others to help him, preferring 
to do it all himself. He used to say that it was the 
only pleasure many of these poor children had on 
Christmas Day, and that he could not deny them 
nor himself the enjoyment. The immense tree was 
brought from the woods and placed on the plat- 
form, loaded with bags of candies and pop-corn, 
which he specially grew in his garden for this pur- 
pose. To each child whose name was on the roll, 
even though present but once during the year, a 
bag of candy and pop-corn and an orange were 
given. The festivities were interspersed with ex- 
ercises in which the children participated. This 

283 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

was done not only at Christiansburg, but at Big 
Springs and Blacksburg, and also at a little branch 
school at Seneca, which he was particularly 
anxious to reach, as it was in the mountains some 
distance from Big Springs, where the children saw 
nothing of the outside world. 

January i, the anniversary of Emancipation, 
was a day of jubilee. On these celebrations the 
church at Christiansburg was the centre of attrac- 
tion. The people came from all the region round. 
The Emancipation Proclamation was read, and 
there were fireworks, balloon ascensions, and gen- 
eral rejoicing. Sometimes a festival was held, at 
which ice-cream and cake were supplied at a small 
charge. In all these events Captain Schaeffer was 
the central and inspiring personality. One with 
the people in everything that tended to their good, 
for the old he had a kindly word of encouragement 
or greeting, and for the young, the smile, the jest, 
or, if need were, the helpful admonition. 

At Easter every Sunday-school scholar must be 
presented with a dyed egg as an Easter gift, and 
it used to fall to Mrs. Schaeffer's lot to see that 
the many dozens of eggs required were ready for 
the occasion. 

In August for years, in the height of the water- 
melon season, the Primary Department of the 
Sunday-school was given a " watermelon feast." 
The " Captain," as everybody called him, provided 
a great wagon-load of the luscious fruit, and issued 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

particular instructions that every child should have 
all that he could eat. It was the writer's good for- 
tune to witness one of these innocent " orgies." 
How the children's eyes did sparkle! How they 
gorged themselves! How they "fulfilled" their 
opportunity, and smeared their little faces with the 
juicy pulp up to the very roots of their hair. And 
not the least noticeable feature of the scene, as the 
feast went on in the beautiful grove surrounding 
the meeting-house, was the evident zest with which 
they enjoyed it, the " Captain" most of all. 

Mrs. Schaeffer writes, " He never met a child but 
he had a pleasant word for it, and I never knew 
one afraid of him." He speaks in his " Diary" 
of meeting " little Joseph" by the wayside, with 
whom he entered into conversation, and found 
that " little Joseph" was a Christian and desired 
to be baptized. The baptism occurred soon after, 
" little Joseph" in the mean time having been fitted 
out in a new suit of clothes. 

Singing seemed to be a sort of second nature to 
him, and he voiced his moods in music. If he 
were in doubt, or felt the need of special direction, 
" The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," or 
some similar hymn, would express his feelings. 
If he came in tired, it could be readily inferred as 
he sang, — 

" There is rest for the weary, 
There is rest for the weary, 
There is rest for you." 
285 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Sometimes the servants, catching the strains, 
would join in the melody till the whole house rang 
again. Thus he lightened labor and kept the 
household in good-humor. 

The plan he adopted for the study of Scripture 
verses — introduced by Mrs. Schaeffer soon after she 
joined him in the work — was somewhat peculiar. 
A key-word was selected, usually from the "golden 
texts" of the " International Sunday-School Les- 
sons," the pupils memorizing such verses contain- 
ing the key- word as they could search out, and on 
the following Lord's Day reciting them, naming 
the book, chapter, and verse where found. As has 
been said, thousands of verses were learned in this 
way every year. The rewards were suited to the 
age and condition of the recipient. Since the 
schools have been using colored lesson-plates they 
have been much appreciated as rewards, the schol- 
ars making choice of them as they were hung 
around the school-room in the order of the num- 
ber of verses recited by each one. With his own 
hands Captain Schaeffer mounted these plates on 
rollers, with a piece of bright-colored cord attached 
to hold them. One can hardly go into a house now 
where will not be seen one or more of these bril- 
liant pictures as conspicuous objects on the walls. 
A number of persons so value those given on the 
last Christmas of his life, that they have had them 
framed as treasured mementoes. 

Again, to quote Mrs. Schaeffer : " His whole 
286 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

being seemed to be wrapped up in helping these 
people to a higher and holier life, and he was 
always planning for their good. Of the many 
things he wanted to do for them, there was but 
one he did not accomplish of all he had in his 
heart. He had for years desired to provide for 
the maintenance of an Old Folks' Home in one 
of the buildings which had been erected by him 
for the Institute. He had in bank at the time of 
his death nearly four hundred dollars collected for 
this purpose. As all other objects which he had 
specially worked for were out of the way, his pur- 
pose was to throw all his efforts in this one direc- 
tion; and he would doubtless have accomplished 
it, as he did everything else he had imdertaken, 
had he lived a few years longer." 

He really enjoyed garden work; it was to him 
both pleasure and recreation. He planned a good 
deal of his church work and made many a ser- 
mon while he worked among the vegetables. He 
bore the reputation of having the finest kitchen 
garden in all the country round, and his crops were 
usually the largest and most forward to be found. 
Often when there would be almost total failure 
elsewhere his place would yield most abundantly. 
People used to say the Lord blessed and favored 
him because he trusted in Him. He would say, 
" Yes, but my works go with my faith. The Lord 
blesses me because united with my faith in Him 
is my labor of watering and constant attention, 

287 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

which others do not give." The neighbors all 
said that he had more patience in planting sys- 
tematically and in weeding than any other man in 
the county, and people would often remark, when 
they saw him busy in the garden, that now they 
understood the secret of his success. And yet there 
was never a call for help from the poorest, or 
some demand upon his time to listen to private 
troubles, but he would stop in his work and give 
them all the help and attention they desired. He 
seemed never to lose patience, or regard as a 
trouble anything, however trivial the cause, which 
called him from his work, and these occasions were 
not infrequent, especially during the years in 
which he was distributing medicines, trusses, 
clothing, etc. 

In attending the funerals of little children he 
was always particularly tender and impressive. 
As the sorrowing ones gathered about the open 
grave and stood while it was being filled — the cus- 
tom in that locality — he would sing, very often 
alone, such lines as the following: 

" I think when I read that sweet story of old, 
When Jesus was here among men, 
How He called little children as lambs to His fold, 
I should like to have been with them then," etc. 

Or those lines of Anne Shepherd: 

" Around the throne of God in heaven 
Thousands of children stand ; 
288 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

Children whose sins are all forgiven, 
A holy, happy band, 
Singing, ' Glory, glory be to God on high,' " etc. 

Or these imaginative words : 

" My latest sun is sinking fast ; 

My race is almost run; 
My strongest trials now are past; 

My crossing has begun. 
Oh, come, angel band, come and around me stand : 

Oh, bear me away on your snowy wings. 

To my immortal home," etc. 



It sometimes seemed on these sad occasions to the 
stricken company as if the very gates of heaven 
opened and revealed a ghmpse of the glory be- 
yond. 

If tender and sympathetic, weeping with them 
that weep, he could on occasion enjoy a hearty 
laugh, and " rejoice with them that do rejoice." 
In his early missionary experience the " coin of 
the realm," and paper money too, for that matter, 
were very scarce articles. Oftener than not the 
wedding ceremony was performed in the absence 
of any fee ; but sometimes the " fee" was both 
large and cumulative in value. He used to tell 
this story, and enjoy the telling very much. A 
couple from the " back country" once came to be 
married. After the ceremony had been performed 
the newly made husband desired to know " what 
was the charge?" The Captain told him that he 
19 289 



I 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

made no charge, but left it with the happy parties 
to bestow such fee as their HberaHty prompted. 
" They had no money," they said, and left. In a 
few weeks the groom reappeared bearing a young 
pig under his arm, which he presented to Captain 
Schaeffer with the remark, " I've brought you 
the wedding fee." This proved to be, as he said 
in telling the incident, " the largest fee, both in 
value and size, of any it had ever been his good 
fortune to receive." 

Here is another incident the telling of which 
gave him much enjoyment, and which illustrates 
the fact that sometimes there is only a step be- 
tween the pathetic . and amusing : 

In a box of clothing sent by the " Friends" for 
distribution among the needy there was found a 
regulation-cut " Quaker" suit — brown swallow- 
tail coat with straight collar, vest and trousers to 
match, and a great broad-brimmed black silk hat 
(in a big box). An old, white-haired, venerable- 
looking colored man came along, very ragged and 
very poor, wanting some clothing. Captain 
Schaeffer dressed him up in this " Friendly suit," 
to his great delight and complete transformation. 
The next Sunday the old gentleman, to show his 
gratitude and appreciation, though not accustomed 
to attending church, was observed by the " Cap- 
tain," gravely and with great show of respecta- 
bility, proceeding up the aisle of the meeting-house 
towards the pulpit. It was not long after this 

290 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

until he was called to his reward, and Captain 
Schaeffer was asked to " preach his funeral." 
When he entered the room where the dead man 
lay, to his surprise he found him " laid out" in 
this " Quaker garb," all but the broad-brimmed 
hat, and that lay in a conspicuous place beside the 
coffin, looking very much as if the relatives felt 
that the old man would need his head-covering 
on the other shore. 

Some of his experiences, though extremely dis- 
agreeable, had likewise their amusing side. This 

story of an adventure he once had in C 

County meets both these particulars : 

A " feeble folk" were needing a stove to make 
their meeting-house comfortable during the ap- 
proaching winter, and begged the " Captain" to 
come and give them a sciopticon exhibition to pro- 
vide the needed funds. It was some miles from 
the nearest railroad station to the settlement, and 
on his arrival at the station an ox-cart was found 
in waiting to take him with the lantern outfit to 
the journey's end. The patient, slow-going oxen, 
with their rumbling, ramshackle conveyance, 
shook him till his bones were sore as they made 
their weary way over the roughest conceivable 
mountain road. When within some distance of 
the place the cart broke down, and a delay oc- 
curred in making temporary repairs. When at last 
the settlement was reached night had already shut 
down upon the scene, and he was compelled at 

291 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

once to begin the service. It was nearly midnight 
when the exhibition was over and he arrived at the 
place of entertainment. On going to the bedroom 
he was pleased to notice that the bed and general 
appearance of things were much more inviting than 
often fell to his lot in such out-of-the-way locali- 
ties. The sheets were clean and sweet, and a little 
table and chair and a lamp placed beside the bed 
were suggestive of comfort, and he felt happy in 
anticipation of much-needed rest. 

Before retiring, however, he took from his 
pocket some refreshments which Mrs. Schaeffer 
had thoughtfully provided, and after satisfying 
the cravings of hunger left the remains of the 
luncheon on the table, blew out the light, and went 
to bed. He had just fallen into the semi-conscious 
state which precedes sound slumber when he was 
aroused by the gambols of some hungry rats, 
which, attracted by the remains of the repast, were 
making a play-ground of the bed and pillows. In 
the sudden and frantic efforts made to drive them 
off, the bottom of the bed fell through and dropped 
him to the floor, where he lay for a little while in 
helpless confusion. Meanwhile the vermin, as 
badly scared as himself, had escaped to their holes. 
Finally extricating himself from the wreck, a light 
was struck, and he prepared to make the best of 
a bad situation. But his troubles had only begun. 
Investigation showed that the bed was wrecked 
beyond his ability to repair it. Dressing himself 

292 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and taking a chair, with grim determination and 
what patience he could command he resolved to 
make a night of it. Now he was attacked by 
fleas, whose name seemed legion ; they came in such 
numbers that his hands were quite unequal to the 
task of catching them or driving them off. The 
lighted lamp, also, which he was afraid to extin- 
guish lest the rats should return, drew swarms of 
pestiferous gnats that added their annoyance to 
this night of misery. Morning at last dawned, 
finding him sick and exhausted, and with the 
rough journey of yesterday in the ox-cart still be- 
fore him. Such incidents as this were " funny" 
in the retrospect, but it required some little hero- 
ism to endure them. 



293 



CHAPTER XIX. 

In the late years of his Hfe Captain Schaeffer 
was able to give much less attention to general 
missionary effort than formerly. He still kept in 
touch with the Valley Baptist Association of Vir- 
ginia, by reason of his connection with that body 
as clerk, and bore a conspicuous part in councils 
and denominational gatherings, but the claims of 
his pastorates upon his time and strength rendered 
possible only occasional outside protracted evan- 
gelistic effort. Indeed, the demand for such labors 
through his wider field had decreased largely under 
God through his instrumentality. A new genera- 
tion had appeared, and many houses of worship 
dotted the landscape, frequented by thousands of 
orderly and attentive worshippers. A class of 
preachers had arisen, better qualified by superior 
training to lead in spiritual things. Moreover, he 
was advancing in years, and was no longer physi- 
cally able to prosecute the labor and bear the ex- 
posure to which he had been so long accustomed. 
But he was not idle. With utmost assiduity he 
wrought in the narrower sphere to which he was 
now confined. Whatever his hands found to do, he 
truly did it with his might. His " Diary" at this 
period and until within a few months of his death 
is an unbroken record of unceasing toil. Except 

294 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

for a season when absolutely laid aside by serious 
illness he allowed himself no recreation, and, often 
against the protests of friends and the advice of 
the physician, he pressed on that he might finish 
the work which he felt God had given him to do. 
Did space permit, it would be interesting to fol- 
low him in the detail of his occupations as we find 
them recorded. This summary, however, must 
sufiice: He preached two or three times every 
Lord's Day, and frequently through the week. 
When filling appointments with his churches, in 
addition to preaching he superintended the Sun- 
day-school. He took charge of the week-night 
prayer-meetings and of the meetings of the various 
organizations connected with the churches; he 
visited faithfully the sick and dying of his congre- 
gations, and attended many funerals, on which 
occasions a sermon was expected. He personally 
kept the accounts and records of three churches, 
and while he was the promoter and mainspring of 
every movement, yet so thoroughly did he efface 
his own personality that a stranger examining 
these records would hardly discover that he had 
been identified with any of them. He superin- 
tended the operations of the Christiansburg In- 
stitute, maintained a large correspondence, per- 
sonal and otherwise, gave himself faithfully to the 
considerable work connected with the clerkship 
of the Valley Baptist Association of Virginia, and 
the only recreation he allowed himself amidst all 

295 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

this toil was in itself fatiguing work in his beloved 
garden among his plants and flowers. Thus the 
last eight or ten years of his happy and useful life 
were spent. 

In the order of divine Providence it is not un- 
usual to find the Lord's most loving and faithful 
servants put to the severest tests of faith and en- 
durance. And sometimes when in the fires of 
affliction He seems to hold them up, as He did the 
patriarch Job, that He may display in them to 
saints and angels the marvellous possibilities of 
His refining grace. Through such an experience of 
severe bodily suffering Captain Schaeffer was now 
called to pass. He had long been troubled at in- 
tervals with an acute physical disability, which had 
at last become so aggravated and exquisitely tor- 
turing as to render necessary the frequent use of 
opiates, and the only hope of permanent relief, it 
was thought, lay in the use of the surgeon's 
knife. 

The operation was skilfully performed on the 
1st of June, 1893, and gave great relief, but was 
followed by consequences which entailed much in- 
convenience and suffering until his death. The 
spirit of patience, resignation, and faith manifested 
during this painful experience is worthy of note. 

June 6th, six days after the operation, he writes : 
" I do not know how to thank the Lord enough 
for His tender mercies to me. My soul, praise 
His name. Oh, that my life may be more fully 

296 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

consecrated to His service than ever before! My 
thoughts are concentrated upward, homeward — 
and yet to stay below if thus I may honor my Re- 
deemer." 

Again, on the 9th of June : " The Lord is my 
strength and my song. Oh, how mercifully I have 
been dealt with in this affliction !" 

Again, on the i8th of June: " Rested without 
the morphine last night, and felt much better 
throughout the day. ' What shall I render unto 
the Lord for all His benefits towards me; I will 
take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name 
of the Lord.' I am still looking unto Thee, O 
Lord, for healing. Help Thou Thy servant, for 
in Thee is never-failing strength." 

Again, on the 19th: "Rested last night under 
the influence of an opiate. The Lord graciously 
deal with Thy servant throughout this day, and 
may it please Thee to give healing power — not that 
I am worthy to receive so gracious a boon, but 
for the honor of Thy name and to the praise of 
Thy sovereign grace. Thy will, however, not 
mine, be done." 

June 2ist. — " My whole being is in the hands of 
the Lord. He is the Fountain Head. Whatsoever 
He doeth is right. My heart drawn out towards 
Him, with humble confession of my unworthiness, 
this morning, and craving His divine compassion 
and help. O Thou infinite One ! give strength 

297 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

unto Thy servant, and grant divine healing, in the 
name of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Saviour," 

June 2 2d. — " O my kind Heavenly Father, 
Thou mayest expect Thy child to cling to Thee 
in these times of unrest of body. Waiting, wait- 
ing, speak the word only. The healing power is 
Thine, and I am Thine and Thou art mine, in an 
indissoluble bond never to be broken." 

June 2yth. — " Rested during the night. Oh, 
how good to rest from weariness. Jesus says, 
' Come unto me, and I will give you rest.' And 
I bring soul, body, and spirit to Him for rest." 

June 28th. — " Not so easy during the night. 
But the Lord made it bearable, for which I am 
grateful. May the Lord grant me patience to en- 
dure whatever is in the front ; and should it please 
Thee, kind Heavenly Father, specially direct as 
to the means to be used for my recovery; or 
* speak the word only,' and Thy ' servant shall be 
healed.' I want it Thy way; my sight is too dim 
in looking into the future. And the furnace is 
necessary, that when I am tried I may come forth 
as gold. The Lord of Hosts be with us. The 
God of Jacob be our refuge. Shield me till all 
these calamities are past," etc., etc., etc. 

These last years of Captain Schaeffer's life, as 
has been said, were full of earnest work and very 
fruitful in winning souls. But the shadows were 
beginning to lengthen, as when the sunset ap- 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

proaches, and his thoughts were often of heaven. 
He never murmured, but it could be plainly seen 
that he suffered much, and was ready to lay his 
burden down at the Master's call. Thus he writes : 

January i, i8pj. — " Thanks be to God that an- 
other year of time has dawned upon us. May 
blessings crown every step we take and our lives 
be fully devoted to His service. Shield on every 
side; prepare for every emergency. Shine away 
the dark clouds of sorrow, and fit Thou us for our 
great change from the low-grounds of earth, 
should this year close our earthly career. Grant 
us the cravings of our soul (should it please Thee 
to do so) in the saving conversion of our beloved 
son, and leave not any of our loved ones for whom 
we are praying in any uncertainty in regard to 
their eternal estate." 

January ij, i8pj. — " Received a telegram in- 
forming us of sister Lizzie's death at six o'clock 
last evening. Another visit of the death angel to 
our family circle. She is safely crossed over, how- 
ever, and at Jesus' feet sat down." 

And again, on the day of his sister's funeral : 

January 17, i8pj. — " One more safely housed. 
('In my Father's house are many mansions.') 
Lord, help Thy servant to press towards the heav- 
enly country, and to stop not short of the throne 
of God and the Lamb." 

299 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

November i6, i8p6. — " My sixty-sixth birth- 
day. The Lord still continues my life on the earth 
to His praise and honor. The day gathering one 
of great blessing. One old man professed faith 
in the Lord Jesus, and one child. At night the 
meeting deeply solemn, and new cases forward 
for prayer." 

November i8, i8p6. — " Returned home this af- 
ternoon, when forty children came forward for 
prayer and a number owned Jesus. At night six 
professed faith in Christ. A wonderful time day 
and night." 

November 22, i8p6. — "Attended Big Springs 
Church Sabbath-school and took my usual part. 
Afterwards preached specially to young converts 
from Matt. xvi. 17, ' Flesh and blood, etc' In the 
afternoon the Lord's Supper. Then returned to 
Christiansburg and attended the night's service, 
in which a number professed faith in Christ. Re- 
ceived during the day and night for baptism and 
church fellowship sixty-four converts, etc., etc." 

And thus, until he was laid aside, he continued 
to display the same earnestness of purpose in 
saving souls, and the same consecration of heart 
in the service of his divine Lord. 

During the autumn of 1898 that he was failing 
was evident to his friends and especially to the 
home circle. He spoke occasionally of his loss of 
appetite, seemed afflicted with much thirst, and 

300 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

went about his work in a quiet, thoughtful way 
which was very significant. But he rarely com- 
plained, and there appeared to be no ground for 
immediate alarm. 

With his usual determination to push to com- 
pletion anything he undertook, against the re- 
monstrances of his wife he made preparations for 
the Christmas festival both at Christiansburg and 
Big Springs, trimming the trees with his own 
hands, and, ever thoughtful of others, refusing to 
curtail the exercises lest the scholars should be dis- 
appointed. After the four days of labor involved 
in these preparations, it is not strange that he 
writes : 

December ^o, i8p8. — " Returned home this 
A.M., and was sick and overworked." 

On the following evening he attended his last 
" Watch Meeting." 

Saturday, December ji, i8g8. — " Better and 
somewhat rested. Gave attention to settlement of 
unsettled accounts for the year, and prepared for 
to-night and to-morrow. At night annual watch^ 
meeting with its usual services, which were full 
of interest and blessing. My text. Psalm xc. 9, 
' We spend our years as a tale that is told.' As 
our church-bell tolled out the year, we passed the 
moments on our knees, trustingly committing our- 
selves to the guidance of the Lord, and asking for 

301 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

help to live faithful to our vows. To myself the 
year has been one of great blessing and yet one of 
severe suffering — sometimes almost unendurable, 
making it necessary to seek constant help, strength, 
and patience from the Lord to bear up under it. 
But my kind Heavenly Father has carried me 
safely along to this midnight hour. And with my 
heart filled with gratitude and love to Him I can 
say, ' My cup runneth over.' Goodness and mercy 
have followed me, and my way has been prepared 
before me." 

On this closing night of the year he also notes 
the completion of the third volume of his " Diary." 
The large book is written full to the last line, and 
at the foot of the last fly-leaf this record is found : 

" As regards this third record-book of my life, 
I have given too many of its pages to the outward 
and very little, comparatively, to the inward ex- 
periences through which I have passed, which have 
been rich in blessings and abundant in the mercies 
of God. My tongue could not tell it, much less 
my pen write it : the course through which the 
Lord has led me; the fire-burning processes of 
divine grace, by which I have been brought on 
my way; the heavenly passages of God's over- 
whelming love to my soul ; the sparkling joys from 
God's overpowering presence; the still, calm, 
quiet, inundating, and never-to-be-forgotten mo- 

302 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ments of the pervading influence of the blessed 
Holy Spirit, with all His light, joy, peace, and 
sanctifying power ; with all that has been revealed 
to me in my meditations on God's infallible Truth, 
which has been a lamp to my feet and a light to 
my path ; the help I have had in preaching, in pas- 
toral duties, and in contact with all classes of the 
people. To the God of Israel belong all the praises. 
My soul doth magnify the Lord, my maker, bene- 
factor, friend, my all and in all. I close up this 
volume with my whole heart broken up, in con- 
trition, humility, and unfeigned repentance to- 
wards God and faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, to 
whom be glory both now and forever. Amen, 
and Amen." 

On the following Lord's Day he delivered the 
annual sermon to the church, according to his cus- 
tom, from I Kings xviii. 36, " Let it be known that 
I have done all these things at thy word." The 
text and discourse were singularly appropriate in 
view of the fact that with the close of the day in 
the providence of God his public ministrations were 
to cease. " In the afternoon," he says, " I rested 
my weary body, and at night preached my an- 
nual sermon to young men from Job xxviii. 12, 
'But where shall wisdom be found? And where 
is the place of understanding?' " How little he 
thought this was to be his last public discourse ! 

He now began to realize that he was ill, and 
303 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

became at last willing to yield to the importunities 
of his family, and consented, for a time at least, 
to take much needed rest. There seemed to come 
over him, too, a beautiful submissiveness and resig- 
nation, and he was ready to do or have done for 
him all that loving hearts could suggest. He made 
no plans for what he should do when he had re- 
covered, either as to church work or home affairs. 
The church work he committed to the deacons, and 
personal matters he left in the hands of his farmer, 
and peacefully rested, giving himself no further 
trouble, even so much as expressing a wish con- 
cerning them. He suffered considerably, and the 
disease made rapid inroads on his strength; but 
he was patient and cheerful, and his faith never 
wavered, 

A few passages from the " Diary :" 

January 5, i8pp. — " Quite indisposed all day. 
May the Lord graciously regard His servant in 
his afflictions; give relief should it be His good 
pleasure, or strength and patience to bear whatever 
the circumstances of his case may require. I am 
Thine, O Lord, in suffering, or when the hand of 
affliction is lifted. Oh, for grace for every emer- 



gency 



January y, i8gp. — " Indisposed all day ; could 
not go to Elliston to meet my appointment there. 
May the Lord ffll His appointment with them. 
' Lo, I am with you always.' " 

304 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

January 8, iSpp. — " Still under ajffliction of 
body, but my soul is like a bird on the wing. I 
mount ! I fly ! ' O grave, where is thy victory ? 
O death, where is thy sting?' The body caged, 
but my soul mounting upwards." 

January i6. — " My soul cleaveth to Thee, O 
Lord, my strength and my redeemer.' I am look- 
ing to Thee in my afflictions; graciously remem- 
ber the one whom ' Thou lovest,' for he is sick, 
and all help must come from Thee." 

As Captain Schaeffer steadily grew worse, and 
his affliction refused to yield to the remedies, the 
local physician advised that he be immediately 
taken to Philadelphia for examination by a spe- 
cialist. He arrived at his home at Germantown, 
near Philadelphia, on January 31, greatly ex- 
hausted by the journey, and the following day was 
received into Jefferson Hospital, and was directly 
placed under preparatory treatment. On February 
7tli he underwent a serious surgical operation at 
the hands of two eminent surgeons. The opera- 
tion was successful, and he began at once to im- 
prove, and was able to leave the Hospital on the 
4th of March following. The operation, however, 
was only preliminary, and gave but temporary re- 
lief, but it was necessary to preserve his life, which 
was threatened from uraemia. To effect a cure it 
was found requisite to resort to another and much 
more critical use of the knife. On March 7th he 
20 305 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

was able to write a pastoral letter to the church at 
Christiansburg, and on the i6th of the same 
month, with Mrs. Schaeffer, he visited Atlantic 
City, N. J., where he enjoyed the tonic of the sea- 
air and the hot salt baths, in which he always de- 
lighted, and had previously found beneficial. On 
the morning of April 3d he writes in his " Diary :" 
" I am looking to the Lord for directions what to 
do in my case. I only know the will of my 
Heavenly Father, and depend on the blessed Holy 
Spirit to unfold it, all through my Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ." The next day he again 
writes : " I went to the city this morning and 
had a consultation with Dr. Loux. It appears 
that no permanent relief can be obtained ex- 
cept through another operation. This is severe, 
but my life is in the Lord's hands; and if He has 
further work for me to do in His service I am 
sure to weather it; and if I am needed for the 
more silent ministry of cheering the earthly loved 
ones, the Lord will see to it that this shall be ac- 
complished. At all events, whether I live or die 
I am the Lord's, and whatever He wills I acquiesce 
therein, and trust that the dear ones of my heart 
may be of the same mind." 

Again the following morning, April 5, he 
writes : " I went again this morning to consult 
Dr. Loux, and gave him directions to proceed, 
still feeling that it is the Lord's will for me to un- 
dergo this operation. The Lord now give me 

306 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

strength, patience, and succoring mercy in my 
case." 

Returning from this consultation, he said to 
Mrs. Schaeffer, " Well, Mama, I've decided to do 
as the Doctor thinks best, even if necessary to sub- 
mit to another operation." Mrs. Schaeffer replied, 
as her eyes overflowed with tears, " O Papa, sup- 
pose you shouldn't get over it, what should I do 
without you?" " Just the very best you can. We 
will commit all our interests into His hands." 
Then he remarked : "I have written in my memo- 
randum book my wishes and directions in case I 
do not survive;" and that was the only time the 
future was mentioned between them. 

On the 7th of April he writes : " The Lord is 
my joy and my song in the house of my pilgrim- 
age. My hand is in His, what can I fear? I will 
trust and not be afraid. Wrote to my churches 
to-day." 

There being no room vacant at the Hospital, it 
was not until the 13th that he arrived there. On 
that day he wrote : " I received tidings this a.m. 
that my room is ready at the Hospital, where I 
proceeded at noon. The Lord sustain the home 
folks, who seem solicitous about me, and grant to 
bear them up with all sustaining grace. And 
should I not meet them again on earth, may they 
meet me in heaven." 

He was immediately placed under preparatory 
treatment, and it was not until the 19th that the 

307 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

surgeons were ready to operate. Meanwhile he 
was cheered by daily visits from his wife and 
friends, displaying throughout these days of wait- 
ing a marvellous serenity and trustfulness beauti- 
ful to witness, and filling up the tedious hours in 
reading Dr. Lorimer's " Evidences of Christi- 
anity." On the day above named the operation, 
a very serious one, was successfully performed, 
and three days later the crisis had passed and the 
patient was " pronounced out of danger, and the 
case considered by all most wonderful." 

His bearing under the severe suffering incident 
to the days which followed made a marked impres- 
sion upon all who saw him. His patient endur- 
ance, the evident appreciation of the attentions 
shown him, the shining forth of a Christlike char- 
acter in act and speech, and an unfailing trust in 
his God and Saviour, called forth an unwonted in- 
terest on the part of the resident surgeon and 
nurses, which was more an expression of personal 
esteem than of a mere professional or perfunctory 
service. 

About noon on the morning of May 4th he was 
in a cheerful mood and feeling well, when Dr. 
Loux, the surgeon-in-chief, paid the usual visit. 
The Doctor was pleased to find him in good spirits 
and so far on the way to recovery, and among 
other encouraging words said, " Do not be dis- 
couraged, you are getting on finely." In the after- 
noon, while enjoying a visit from his sister-in- 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

law, he began to tell her of the hopeful things the 

Doctor had spoken, and during the recital he began 

to sing a hymn which he was wont to use to hearten 

himself or others when things did not go just 

right : 

" Oh, do not be discouraged, 
For Jesus is your friend ; 
He'll give you grace to conquer, 
And keep you to the end." 

The next day he saw and conversed freely with 
several friends, and appeared cheerful and strong. 
At six P.M. Mrs. Schaeffer, rejoicing in the thought 
of a speedy recovery and removal to their home, 
bade him good-by for the night. At eight p.m. 
he seemed disposed to sleep, and his special nurse, 
who had been very faithful, made him as com- 
fortable as possible and sat down to read. As she 
sat reading, he called to her, and in response she 
went immediately to the bedside. Observing that 
the covering was disarranged, she attempted to put 
it in place, when he remarked, — the death-chill 
had already struck him, — " Don't, I'll take cold." 
Seeing at a glance that an alarming change had 
occurred, she immediately summoned the resident 
surgeon, who was in an adjoining room, but before 
he could reach the bedside Captain Schaeffer had 
passed into the presence of his Lord amid the 
eternal glory. 

Thus expired on the evening of May 5, 1899, 
at about half-past eight, this noble Christian man 

309 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

and true servant of God, the immediate cause of 
death being " heart-clot." 

The funeral services were held on Wednesday 
afternoon, May lo, 1899, at the family residence, 
Germantown, Philadelphia. Rev. A. J. Rowland, 
D.D., secretary of the American Baptist Publica- 
tion Society, his former pastor, officiated, assisted 
by Rev. T. S. Rumney, D.D., a valued friend, rec- 
tor of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, 
Germantown. Among the many persons present 
was Mr. William Poindexter, a deacon of Me- 
morial Baptist Church, Christiansburg, Va., who 
was sent by that body to represent them officially 
on this occasion. The remains were laid away in 
the family burial-lot in the beautiful Ivy Hill 
Cemetery, Germantown. 

Funeral obsequies were also simultaneously ob- 
served by the Memorial Baptist Church, Chris- 
tiansburg, Va., and by the Big Springs Baptist 
Church, Elliston, Va. 

At the former place in the early morning the 
flag on the Institute building was raised at half- 
mast, and at half-past one o'clock a signal from the 
belfry of the Memorial Baptist Church, on Zion's 
Hill, set every bell in the towns of Christiansburg 
and Cambria tolling. Long before the hour ap- 
pointed for the services the house was filled to its 
utmost capacity with white and colored citizens of 
the adjacent towns and country-side, who came to 
do honor to his memory. The church was draped 

310 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

in black, and a wealth of flowers testified to the 
alffection of the people. The desk and Bible and 
the large centre pulpit chair were coverd with the 
symbols of mourning and not used again for three 
months, those who served the church speaking 
from a table placed at one side of the pulpit plat- 
form. 

Seated in the pulpit were Rev. Felix Johnson, 
Rev. Elkanah Scott, Rev. T. W. Hooper, D.D., 
and Rev. Lewis Holmes. In the rear of the pulpit 
sat the choir. The space in front of the pulpit was 
occupied by Rev. K. R. Richardson, Rev. George 
Brown, Rev. C. H. Frazier, Rev. Floyd Meadows, 
Rev. B. King, Rev. N. C. Burnett, Rev. T. E. 
Morton, and Rev. T. W. Cooper. 

The choir broke the solemn silence with " Num- 
bered with the dead." Appropriate Scripture 
readings and prayer followed by Rev. Elkanah 
Scott. The choir sang " Asleep in Jesus." Rev. 
T. W. Hooper, D.D., pastor of the (white) 
Presbyterian Church, Christiansburg, spoke from 
the words, " Blessed are the dead who die in the 
Lord." He made very touching remarks concern- 
ing the " vacant chair," and closed by saying, 
" Captain Schaeffer lived in the Lord, and there- 
fore we can be sure that he died in the Lord." 
The choir then sang very affectingly, " Sweet rest 
in heaven." Rev. N. C. Burnett, pastor of the 
(white) Baptist Church, Cambria, also partici- 
pated, speaking very appreciatively and affection- 

311 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

ately of Captain Schaeffer's work among this peo- 
ple. The funeral-sermon was preached by Rev. 
Lewis Holmes, pastor of the New River (colored) 
Baptist Church, from the text, " A great man is 
fallen this day in Israel." Many reasons were 
given why the deceased should be regarded as 
great. He was great in his ability to organize 
churches and Sunday-schools; great in helping 
the needy; great in his personal work of saving 
souls; great in his administrative power; great 
as an educator; great in godliness and in the 
purity of his life, etc. " Zion's Hill, and, in fact, 
the State of Virginia, speak of his greatness." 

Remarks were also made by several other minis- 
ters, and a pastoral letter, written by Captain 
Schaeffer a few days before his death, was read 
as his parting word to his dear people. 

The Big Springs Baptist Church, Elliston, was 
also draped and a service similar to that previously 
described was held. The people throughout the 
wide field of his labors and influence were deeply 
affected by his death, and his memory is loved 
and revered by multitudes who are the better for 
this life and the eternal future because he lived 
and wrought among them. 

As a tribute to the memory of this servant of 
God, and to testify to future generations their ap- 
preciation of his life-work in behalf of the Afro- 
American, the Memorial Baptist Church caused 
to be placed in their meeting-house to the right of 

312 



A CONSECRATED LIFE 

the pulpit a mural tablet in brass. This memorial 
was unveiled to a great gathering of the people, 
with appropriate religious exercises, on Lord's 
Day, October i, 1899, the thirty-second anniver- 
sary of the founding of the church : 

" In Memory of 

REV. CHARLES S. SCHAEFFER, 

Born November 16, 1830 — Died May 5, 1899, 

Founder of 

THE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH, 

Christiansburg, Va., 

and its pastor for twenty years. 

Our Leader, Teacher, Brother, Friend; 
IN WHOM the Christian virtues so blended 

THAT he inspired OUR CONFIDENCE, 

won our AFFECTION, 

AND BY INSTRUCTION AND EXAMPLE 

ENNOBLED OUR LIVES. 

In RECOGNITION OF HIS SAINTLY CHARACTER, 

HIS SELF-DENYING LABORS, 

HIS OUTREACHING SYMPATHY WITH OUR RACE, 

AND HIS ChRISTLY LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND, 

THIS TABLET IS ERECTED 

BY A GRATEFUL PEOPLE." 



APPENDIX 

The following letter, written from Atlantic City, N. J., 
where Captain Schaeffer was endeavoring to regain strength 
after the first surgical operation, is of interest as containing 
his last written words to the Memorial Baptist Church of 
Christiansburg, Va. : 

"March 23, 1899. 
" Mrs. P. T. Grimes. 

" Dear Sister in Christ : — Your very kind and welcome 
letter of the 20th instant, informing me of the reception of 
my recent letter to the church, and the expressions of loving 
interest in my behalf by those whom I esteem so highly in 
the Lord, and in whose lives my life has been bound up in 
bands never to be broken, is received. 

" I am grateful for the kind remembrance in prayer, and 
for the heavenly succor which has been vouchsafed to me 
in answer thereto, and for the merciful dealings of the 
Lord with you all. To God over all, and blessed forever- 
more, be all the praise, world without end ! Oh, there is 
so much for me to be grateful for, far beyond what I am 
able to express. 

" My dear wife and I are spending two weeks at Atlantic 
City, where I am taking the salt hot baths whenever the 
outside weather will permit, hoping that our stay here may 

result in permanent improvement My Philadelphia 

physician has gone on a pleasure-trip to the West Indies, 
and does not return until sometime during the first days 
of April, so that I cannot tell you just when we shall re- 
turn, as we wish to consult him before leaving for home. 

" I am still a sufferer, and in some ways may be for the 
remainder of my life ; but I am gaining in general health ; 
the lost strength and flesh have been in great measure re- 
stored, and I have considerably more endurance, with ability 
to walk farther every day. 

" We have been writing in the ' letter room,' where people 
have been talking and just outside the band has been play- 
ing, so that it has been a difficult matter to collect my 
thoughts and write. 

" Again expressing my gratefulness to you, and tendering 
my heart-felt love to the church and kind remembrances 
to all dear friends, I remain, 

" Your brother in Christ, 

" C. S. Schaeffer." 
315 



APPENDIX 

A fortnight later, his physician having returned, and 
further surgical treatment having been decided upon, the 
subjoined letter was sent to the Big Springs Baptist Church: 

" No. 94 Haines Street, 
" Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., April 7, 1899. 

" To the Big Springs Baptist Church of Elliston, Va. 

" Beloved in the Lord : — It vi^as my expectation soon to 
be with you all, but the providences of the Lord seem to 
direct differently, as the first operation does not now indi- 
cate that it has reached the necessities of my case, and I 
am about to undergo another equally severe. I am ex- 
pecting to go back to the hospital within a very few days, — 
as soon as preparations can be made for me, — and may have 
to remain there two or three weeks or more, unless my 
happy spirit should take its flight to the mansions of bliss 
prior to the time of my expected recovery. I have com- 
mitted the whole matter to the Lord, and it seems that He 
would have me do just as I am about doing, and therefore 
my entire confidence is in Him. May the dear church at 
Elliston bear me up at this time in the arms of her faith, 
that I may have the necessary strength, patience, trust, and 
succor to carry me safely through. God bless you all. The 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 
" Your loving pastor, 

" C. S. SCIIAEFFER." 

The following were the proceedings of the Valley Baptist 
Association of Virginia, in its thirty-third annual session, 
held with the First Baptist Church of East Radford, Mont- 
gomery County, Va., August 9-1 1, 1899, commemorating 
the death of its late clerk and fellow-servant of Christ, Rev. 
C. S. Schaeffer : 

The memorial services were introduced by singing 
"Asleep in Jesus, oh, how sweet, etc." Portions of the fif- 
teenth chapter of First Corinthians were then read by Rev. 
W. F. Graham, D.D. Prayer was offered by Rev. C. D. 
Patterson, followed by singing. Rev. W. T. Johnson, B.D., 
who was appointed to preach the funeral sermon, then de- 
livered an able discourse from Jer. ix. 21, " For death has 
come up into our windows, and entered into our palaces." 
The opening portion of this excellent presentation of the 
truth was a careful analysis of and deserved tribute to the 

316 



APPENDIX 

character and work of Elder Schaeffer, which deeply moved 
his audience. At intervals during the delivery the last 
message of the departed brother to the Association — " The 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" — was re- 
peated in such way as to touch all hearts. It was a most 
solemn and interesting occasion. At the conclusion of the 
sermon, after an appropriate hymn, remarks were made by 
Elder B. F. Fox, D.D., moderator of the Association, and 
Elder K. R. Richardson. A carefully prepared obituary re- 
port was unanimously adopted, concluding with the follow- 
ing: 

"IN MEMORIAM. 

"As the soldiers of Christ gather together once more to 
tell of the conflicts of the past, how the battle is going, the 
plans of campaign for the future, as they come trooping 
over the mountains of Virginia, we notice with sorrow that 
a noted general is missing and his place in the ranks is un- 
filled. 

" We speak of the veteran soldier of Christ, the Rev. C. 
S. Schaeffer. 

"When a man's journey through life is complete, when 
his footprints are lost sight of in the Jordan of death, it 
is the custom of his fellow-men to retrace his path, ex- 
amine his trail inch by inch, hoping to learn from the 
general direction what is the probable fate of the traveller 
in the great beyond. 

" When that is determined, we turn to moralizing, with 
the hope of learning lessons with a view to being aided in 
our journey, as all our paths lead to a common goal. 

" A large portion of the pathway of the life of Rev. C. S. 
Schaeffer lies through our midst, and all the world must 
learn of its nature from us, from what we say of it and 
from what we show forth in our individual and associational 
life as to the influence of his character. 

"As A Man. 

" As a man, Rev. C. S. Schaeffer was above reproach and 
a fountain of purity that sent its refreshing streams down 
every mountain side and through every valley in our region. 
All of us have felt the inspiration coming from a pure man. 

" As A Preacher. 

" The exalted position of a minister of God is one calling 
for a high degree of consecration, of knowledge ; calling for 

317 



APPENDIX 



a keen appreciation of all that God wills of man and His 
minister. 

" On all these questions Rev. C. S. Schaeffer's life was a 
flood of light, being a preacher of the Gospel after the man- 
ner of the heralds of the cross in New Testament times. 

" As A Pastor. 

" It is not enough to merely preach the Gospel to a peo- 
ple. After telling a man what to do, we must get down and 
show him how to do it. The latter work is the task of the 
pastor. 

" Rev. C. S. Schaeffer was both a preacher and a pastor. 
After telling his people what to do, he exemplified his 
teachings in his life. By his personal conduct as much as 
by his spoken word he called men to a higher life in Christ. 

"In Our Association. 

" There was, perhaps, nothing in our Association so much 
a fixture as our beloved Brother Schaeffer. 

" His place in our hearts was fixed, unvarying, and un- 
changeable. When selected to a post of duty, his work was 
always so well performed, his personal bearing so full of 
grace, that a change was never thought of. 

" Our respect, esteem, and love for Brother Schaeffer were 
simply unbounded. 

" The Extent of his Influence. 

" It is said that if a pebble be dropped into the ocean it 
will set in motion wave after wave that travels on and on 
unto the remotest bounds of the sea. 

" In the sea of human life it is the same. But Rev. C. S. 
Schaeffer was a mountain range dropped down into the 
sea of our lives, and the healthy stirring of the waters 
outstretched in extent the scope of our vision or our im- 
agination. Students upon whom he implanted the impress 
of his grand soul have gone throughout Virginia, West Vir- 
ginia, and other States. 

" The extent of the good done by this heroic man will 
never be known until it is told in judgment by the God 
that robs the grave and forces the sea to give up its dead, 
that He may have all the works of all His creatures before 
Him. 

" Our Highest Tribute. 

" We feel that the highest tribute we can pay to the life 
and labors of Rev. C. S. Schaeffer, is to commend him to 
all men as worthy of their emulation 

318 



APPENDIX 

" We pray God to send more such men into the world 
and into our midst, and incline our hearts to fully appre- 
ciate and appropriate their goodness and greatness. 

Elder B. F. Fox, D.D., 

" Felix Johnson, 
Deacon Wm. H. Poindexter, 
Elder W. W. Brown, 

W. T. Johnson, B.D. 
" Elkanah Scott, 
" Moses E. Johnson, 
Prof. G. W. Hayes, A.M." 

The following testimonial records the action of the Ex- 
ecutive Board of the Friends' Freedmen's Association: 

" 239 Market Street, Philadelphia. 6 mo. 12, 1899. 

" Mrs. Charles S. Schaeffer. 

" Esteemed Friend : — At the last meeting of the Execu- 
tive Board of the Friends' Freedmen's Association, held 
5 mo. 16, 1899, it was ordered that the following minute be 
prepared and a copy be sent to the family of Captain Charles 
S. Schaeffer as a token of our sympathy and of our esteem 
for him. The minute is as follows : 

" ' It has pleased our Heav nly Father to call to Himself 
our much loved friend, Captain Charles S. Schaeffer. 

" ' Impressed in early manhood by the gospel message, 
he in turn sought to deliver it to others. Moved by the 
wrongs of the negroes, he enlisted in the war which gave 
them freedom. 

" ' This service completed, he entered the Freedmen's Bu- 
reau, and having been detailed to Southwestern Virginia, 
established himself at Christiansburg. As an officer of the 
Bureau he gave legal sanctity to the relations of many 
thousand liberated slaves by recording them as married. 

" ' He spent his life in preaching among them and caring 
for these people and became their leader and revered au- 
thority. His affections were towards them, his home and 
family not far from them. They made him Secretary of the 
Negro Baptist Conference of csouthwestern Virginia, con- 
taining over six score congregations. 

" ' To the Friends' Freedmen's Association he has been 
a constant support and ally. He gave it the ground on 
which the Christiansburg school-house stands. The school 
has always enjoyed his deep interest, and we have often 
relied on his judgment regarding it. 

" ' His work when he began was a lonely one. Men 

319 



APPENDIX 

looked at it askance and avoided him. But so devoted was 
he, so sweetly patient, that all came to admire both him and 
his doings. He walked in all kindly ways, and so closely 
walked that he grew in the knowledge of the power of 
gentleness, and is known to have said that he could not 
again put his hand to war. 

" ' Such was the friend whom we afifectionately record to 
have been a brave and wise gentleman, who loved his fel- 
low-men and humbly served his God. 

" ' Captain Charles S. Schaeffer was born November i6, 
1830 ; entered the volunteer service of the United States 
September 28, 1861 ; entered the Veteran Reserve Corps 
October 4, 1864; was appointed to the Freedmen's Bureau 
April 12, 1866 ; was married November 28, 1872 ; died 
May 5, 1899. 

" ' Resolved, That a copy of this minute be sent to his 
family, and also to the Helper, the American Friend, and 
the Commomvealth, with a request that it be published in 
these journals.' 

" Very respectfully, 

" Joseph Rhodes, 

" Secretary." 

From among the many letters of condolence received by 
Mrs. Schaeffer on the death of her husband, a few extracts 
are subjoined. These selections represent white and colored 
friends, both North and South : 

" What a life has been lived ! What a work has been 
done ! " Mrs. A. S. Coaxes." 

" One of the most noble men that ever lived. My father, 
who loved him above all earthly friends, when I first saw 
the light of day named me after him, hoping I might grow 
to be as noble and honorable as this great man was. I 
treasure his name. " Charles S. Curtis." 

"How he will be missed! Who can fill his place? He 
will be mourned. Our people hardly know what a loss they 
have sustained in his death. He has done more for this 
community than any man who ever lived here. The in- 
fluence for good that Captain Schaeffer exercised will never 
cease, but will extend through the coming years into 
eternity. " Mrs. M. M. Figgatt." 

" If your dear husband had been only an ordinary man it 
would be sad, but to part with one so far above even the 
best of many we meet is hard indeed. What a record is 

320 



APPENDIX 

written above ! And what an abundant entrance truly is 
his ! As I looked upon his face to-day, I could hear his 
voice as I had so many times in the old (Tenth) church, 
so well do I remember that voice leading in sacred song. 

" Mrs. E. G. Harley." 

" Many will mourn with you for his loss. He was a 
good man and a lovely Christian. All who knew him 
loved him. " Lizzie Simpson." 

" He has done a great work. Faithfully and lovingly he 
performed, and his Father in heaven has called him from 
work to reward. He is forever at rest — in the rest that re- 
maineth and the glory that excelleth. 

" Mrs. C. K. Inglis." 

" You have lost a devoted companion and we our best 
friend. " Charles S. Marshall." 

" I was greatly shocked at the news of the Captain's 
death, and a feeling of sadness came over me that I cannot 
describe. He was truly a man of God. I can never forget 
the instruction I received from him in my youth, nor the 
Christian example set by him in his dealings with every 
one. " Ollie Page Stigall." 

" I was pained and surprised to hear of your great loss. 
I knew and loved the Captain, to whom I mainly owe my 
success in this life and my hope in the world to come. God 
has taken to Himself one of the best of men earth ever 
knew. Not only Christiansburg, but the whole State of 
Virginia and other States wherein he labored and was well 
known will miss him for his many good works. 

" Maggie Washington Thompson." 

The letter which follows was received from President 
King, late of Wayland Seminary, Washington, D. C, to 
whom Captain Schaefifer sent many pupils, in response to 
a request for copies of any correspondence in his possession 
which might be suitable for use in this volume : 

" Oakland, Md., September 19, 1899. 
" Dear Brother Harrison : — For years I was in corre- 
spondence with Rev. C. S. Schaefifer, who did a grand work 
in and around Christiansburg, Va., but his letters have not 
been preserved. 

" Few men ever found more pleasure in living to minis- 
ter, and he was always happiest when he could be the most 
21 321 



APPENDIX 

self-forgetful. Some of the men and women for whose 
education he lived and sacrificed are filling responsible posi- 
tions in the States where they have settled. 

" He lived in a formative period : the work he did was as 
difficult as it was important. He feared the Lord, and 
great secrets were his. The world can never know the 
hardest and the greatest part of such foundation work, 
but this was no care to Brother Schaeffer. I am sure you 
can number him among those of whom John was thinking 
when he wrote, ' I heard a voice from heaven saying unto 
me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from 
henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from 
their labors; and their works do follow them.' 
" Very truly yours, 

"G. M. P. King. 
" To Mr. Charles H. Harrison." 

" Epiphany Rectory, Lynchburg, Va., 

" December 14, 1899. 
"Mrs. Charles S. Schaeffer, Christiansburg, Va. 

" My dear Mrs. Schaeffer : — Although it has been a very 
long time, please now let me say that it has been in my 
mind and heart to write you ever since hearing of your be- 
loved husband's Translation — for surely it was a Transla- 
tion with him. Such a life as his is a benediction to all 
who knew him, and to the times in which he lived. 

" It is to me a real blessed memory to have known him, 
and to have had him pray for me, and to have prayed for 
him as a ' friend and brother beloved.' 

" May God our Father fill your heart and the hearts of 
all those whom He loves with the sweet consolations which 
so abound, as you well know, in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
May He who only can heal your wounded and broken 
hearts fill your loneliness with the sweetness of His abiding 
Presence. 

" Looking down from the glory-land, he would say to 
those he loved, ' Weep not for me.' Sweet and precious 
as the Pilgrim life was, filled with the mercies and sustain- 
ing grace of our God, yet the life in our ' Father's House' 
is sweeter far. We may go to him, he cannot come to us. 

" Please give my love to your family, whom it was my 
privilege to meet. God bless them even as yourself. 

" Nearer draws the Blessed Day of Christ our Saviour. 
Onward comes the march of victory ! The day of His 
appearing draweth apace ! We shall see Him as He is, and 
be like Him. Pray for me. 

" Faithfully your friend and fellow-servant in Christ, 

"T. H. Lacey." 
322 



APPENDIX 

The subjoined letter from Rev. E. W. Stiles, a minister 
(white) of the Methodist Episcopal Church, accompanied 
the following report of the action of the citizens of Seneca, 
Montgomery County, Va., concerning the death of Captain 
Schaeffer : 

" Seneca, Va., May 8, 1899, 8 p.m. 
" Dear Mrs. Schaeffer : — I am an utter stranger to you, 
though I was well acquainted with your late husband. It 
is hardly respectful to send a paper of this sort without 
some signature. I could have obtained hundreds, but time 
would not admit. If, therefore, there seems any intrusion 
in thus addressing you, I beg you will pardon me, accepting 
my deep sympathy with you in your affliction as my excuse. 
I remain, 

" Very respectfully yours, 

"(Rev.) E. W. Stiles. 
"Mrs. Ada A. Schaeffer." 

" Memorial Services at Seneca School-House. 

" At a meeting held in Seneca school-house, Montgomery 
County, Va., May 8, the following preamble and resolu- 
tions were read and adopted by a hearty unanimous, rising 
vote. 

" Owing to the inclemency of the weather the attendance 
was not altogether what we had hoped, so the sense of 
every family in Seneca and of the surrounding white fami- 
lies was taken, and a fervent and earnest indorsement re- 
ceived in every case. 

" Captain C. S. Schaeffer came to Montgomery County 
just after the war as an agent of the Freedmen's Bureau. 
This organization and its workings were very distasteful 
to the white people of the South at this time, especially as 
our feelings were very bitter against the Northern people 
as the result of the war. But the Captain went to work in 
a modest and gentlemanly manner, with his whole soul ab- 
sorbed in the noble object of the elevation of the colored 
race. He took a position '.hat very few people would have 
been willing to assume under the existing circumstances and 
state of feeling, not only between North and South, but 
between black and white. He was considered by a vast num- 
ber of the whites as lowering himself in a degree utterly 
contemptible. As such, he was viLfied, slandered, and abused 
in an outrageous manner by some, and utterly shunned and 
avoided by many others who had too much self-respect to 
be abusive. But gradually the Captain's work became more 

323 



APPENDIX 

and more spiritual, and his character and the object of his 
life better understood by the people. Looking still in the 
most unselfish and devoted manner to the temporal as well 
as spiritual interests of those whose cause he had espoused, 
he spent his money freely in relieving their embarrass- 
ments, often buying whole tracts of land, which they could 
not pay for, and giving them their own time to pay him. 
As a minister of the gospel his life, health, and strength were 
worn out in constant and laborious service in helping to 
build churches, etc. His efforts and labors were unceasing. 

" Under these circumstances, now that our Father in 
heaven has removed him from our midst to join the host 
of the redeemed spirits around the throne, we think it 
becoming in us, who have been so greatly profited by his 
faithful and untiring ministrations, to offer the following 
resolutions : 

"Resolved, ist. That we consider that the Rev. C. S. 
Schaeffer in all his life and labors in our midst offered one 
of the most perfect examples of the sincere, humble, and 
genuine follower of Christ that it was ever our. privilege 
to know or to hear of. 

" 2d, That we never heard of a greater or more glorious 
work being accomplished by the agency and ministrations 
of any one servant of God. 

"3d, That his efforts were marked not only by wonderful 
executive ability, but by the most fervent, humble, and de- 
voted piety. His sermons were powerful in reasoning, yet 
simple and clear in language. He was always unobtrusive, 
courteous, humble, and polite at all times to all persons. 

" 4th, That as white people, we gladly acknowledge that to 
him more than to anyone else, and, more than all other 
agencies, to the gentle yet powerful influence of his sweet, 
quiet, and able life, we owe the fact that we have over- 
come our prejudices and now accept the will of God, and 
love our colored and Northern brethren as we do one 
another. 

"5th, That as colored people, we feel as if we had lost a 
father. We cannot express our gratitude to him who by 
personal sacrifice saved us our lands, waiting on us indefi- 
nitely until we could pay him. As a brother, too, he stood 
up for us in every way in the time of our need. As a 
father and a pastor he counselled, cheered, and ministered 
to us in our needs, and the place of the friend we have lost 
can never be filled in this world. 

" 6th, That both as white and colored, we offer to the be- 
reaved family our most heartfelt sympathy and the grati- 
tude of our sad and overflowing hearts in this irreparable 
bereavement both to us and to them. 

" May God, in His mercy, ever bless and comfort his 

324 



APPENDIX 

family, and enable us all to remember his counsels and to 
follow up his Christian work, so that, whilst his body lies 
in the dust, his spirit may still be leading us on towards 
that heavenly land where he now reigns with Christ, in 
glory that shall last forever and forever more. 

" A Member." 

Exercises in connection with the unveiling of a Brass 
Mural Tablet erected in memory of Rev. Charles S. Schaef- 
fer, in the meeting-house at Christiansburg, Va., October i, 
1899: 

" The thirty-second anniversary of the organization of 
the Memorial Baptist Church of Christiansburg was cele- 
brated in the church building on Sunday, October ist, at 
which time the tablet erected by the members of the church 
in memory of their late pastor, Rev. C. S. Schaefifer, was un- 
veiled. The church was filled to its utmost capacity, and 
many were unable to gain admittance. There were visitors 
present from Elliston, Vicar's, Blacksburg, Shawsville, Sen- 
eca, Pulaski, and other places. 

" The invocation was offered by Professor C. L. Marshall. 
The opening Scripture was read by Orvil McNorton, a 
member of the church and at present a student at Richmond 
Theological Seminary. This was followed by prayer by 
Rev. Lewis Holmes, an ordained minister of the church. 
It was expected that Professor G. W. Hayes, president of 
Lynchburg Seminary, would deliver an address, but early 
on Sunday morning a telegram was received froiji his 
physician, stating that he was confined to his bed and would 
be unable to be present. 

" The Rev. Elkanah Scott then introduced Rev. E. W. 
Stiles, of Seneca, Va., who in a few well-chosen remarks paid 
a high tribute to the Christ-like character and sanctity of 
Mr. Schaeffer. After the address the choir sang one of the 
favorite hymns of the late pastor, entitled ' Christ is all 
the World to Me.' Following the hymn, the covering of the 
tablet was removed, showing to those assembled a large brass 
tablet mounted on a polished oak slab. 

" The unveiling was followed by a duet and chorus by 
Misses Jones and Tolliver and Messrs. Long and Trotter, 
entitled ' Sometime We'll Understand,' the words of which 
were particularly appropriate to the occasion. Following 
the duet. Mr. McNorton read a paper eulogizing the late 
pastor and calling attention to the fact that even if no tablet 
had been erected there was still engraved on the hearts of 
all tne people the deepest love for their departed leader. 

32s 



APPENDIX 

" After singing by the choir, Rev. Lewis Holmes preached, 
taking as his text Exodus xxxiii. 14, ' And he said, My 
presence will go with thee and I will give thee rest.' He 
drew a comparison between Moses and Mr. Schaeffer as 
leaders of the people — as Moses was called to lead the 
Children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt to the prom- 
ised land, so Mr. Schaeffer was called by God to lead the 
colored people of this section from the bondage of ignorance 
and darkness into the glorious light of the truth. He dwelt 
at considerable length on the various things the pastor had 
accomplished for this race and paid the highest tribute to 
his worth. 

" Following the sermon, the quartette sang ' Saved by 
Grace,' after which there was a reading by Mrs. P. T. 
Grimes, entitled ' A Letter from the Departed,' which was 
of a character to prove very helpful to those who are be- 
reaved, quoting as it did in the form of a letter as coming 
from the departed the various comforting and helpful prom- 
ises of the Scriptures concerning the dead who die in the 
Lord. The choir then sang an anthem, ' Just as I am, with- 
out one plea,' and this interesting service closed." 



This tribute from the pen of Rev. Willis W. Brown, 
pastor of the High Street Baptist Church, Roanoke, Va., 
where he preaches to more than one thousand persons 
weekly, is quoted here because it furnishes a typical in- 
stance of Captain Schaeffer's happy method of dealing with 
a worthy class of men, who amid hindering circumstance 
of every sort needed the encouraging word and helping 
hand in the heroic struggle to qualify themselves for wider 
usefulness : 

" His place in the affections of the thousands of colored 
people who have been helped by him never can be filled by 
another. I, having been especially favored, feel a desire to 
make a public acknowledgment of the benefits derived from 
this man of God. I have more than once acknowledged in 
my pulpit that much of my success in life as a Christian 
and humble minister of the gospel is directly attributable to 
the influence of that great lover of God's poor. 

" It was in 1883, at Staunton River, Va., at the session of 
the Valley Baptist Association of Virginia, that I first met 
Rev. C. S. Schaeffer, a tall, saintly looking Christian gen- 
tleman, the only white man in the body. He was the 
secretary of the Association, and the respect that all were 

326 



APPENDIX 

paying to him, and the deep interest he was taking in the 
brethren, won me the first day. I watched him as I did 
no other during the entire session, because I came from the 
backwoods, and this was the first time in all my life that 
I had seen a white man interested in colored people and 
actually at work with them and for them. This picture 
made an indelible impression on my heart, and I never have 
forgotten him nor this interest, and never will. Although 
I have met many white men who were interested in the 
elevation of the colored people since that meeting, yet in 
all my experience I have not met one so devoted to this 
work, and this is why I have said his place in the affec- 
tions of thousands he has helped can never be filled. 

" A year passed, and we were brought face to face with 
this man of God in the next session of the Association at 
Big Lick, now Roanoke City. Here our relation was made 
dearer. I was appointed to preach on Sunday at ii a.m. 
After the service he grasped my hand lovingly, in a way 
that told me that there was a heart back of the act which 
beat with a desire to help me render better service for 
my Master. He invited me to come to Christiansburg that 
fall and conduct his revival meetings. I went, and while 
there I saw, as I had not a chance to see before, his love 
for my people. 

" He took me into his affections while there, and in- 
quired into my opportunities and condition. I unbosomed 
all to him, and it was not in vain. At the close of three 
weeks' meetings, he gave me more money than the church 
of which I was pastor paid me for a year's service, be- 
sides an overcoat, the first I had ever owned, and many 
useful articles for my wife and two little boys in a humble 
log-cabin one hundred and fifty miles away in the moun- 
tains. And, last and best of all, finding I had no books, 
he took my address and assured me that I should have a 
library. I had not long been home before a library of thir- 
teen books was shipped to me from the American Baptist 
Publication Society, all of which have been read, and some 
of them read many times. Upon the instruction and inspira- 
tion of those books I started my humble ministerial career. 
I thank God that I can look back over a period of over 
sixteen years of humble service that have been owned and 
blessed of the Lord, the honor of which belongs first to 
God, and secondly to Brother Charles S. Schaeffer. All 
along through the years of my acquaintance and associa- 
tion with him he has been the same friend and brother 
to me. 

" I have met him every year since that first meeting at 
Staunton River, and some years I have had the pleasure of 
meeting him several times. He was quite a help to me in 

327 



APPENDIX 

building my church, and came down with his lantern and 
raised goodly sums of money for me and my people. 

" When the sad intelligence was flashed over the wires 
that a mortal arrow had pierced his frame in Philadelphia, 
I received it on Saturday night, and before announcing my 
text on Sunday morning communicated it to the people, 
when a stillness swept over the audience that told of the 
emotion that filled their hearts, and many wept. That mes- 
sage told of the ending of a noble life, but ' his work still 
lives to bless the children of a grateful people.' 

" W. W. Brown." 



The following is from the Montgomery Messenger of 
May 12, 1899: 

" Captain Charles S. Schaefifer died on Friday, May 5, 
1899, at Jefferson Hospital, in Philadelphia, from the effects 
of a severe surgical operation performed on him about three 
weeks ago. He left his home in January to go to Phila- 
delphia for treatment, and soon after arriving there a slight 
surgical operation was performed with the expectation of 
relieving him ; but this was not accomplished, and he had 
to undergo a second and very critical one. He rallied so 
well that his friends were led to believe his recovery was 
assured, and the news of his death was not only a surprise, 
but a great shock to his many friends here. 

" He was a native of Philadelphia and commanded a 
company in the Federal army in the war of 1861-65. At its 
close he was sent to this place to take charge of the Freed- 
men's Bureau, and when this was abolished he remained to 
work among the negroes as a minister. He was as truly a 
missionary as one who goes to the Congo. 

" At a time when the war passions were intense, he cut 
himself off from all associations with the whites and was 
despised and contemned by them, but he firmly believed he 
was called of God to work among the negroes and to de- 
vote his life to bettering their condition morally and finan- 
cially, and instructing them in true religion. He never fal- 
tered in his purpose and suffered patiently all the reproach 
that was heaped upon him. It came by degrees to be no- 
ticed that he was thoroughly honest in his purposes and 
gentlemanly in his bearing. Truly ' those who live godly 
lives must suffer persecution.' As his business intercourse 
brought him in contact with the people, they were struck 
with his honesty, integrity, and fair-dealing, and as it be- 
came evident that his earnest piety had induced him to 
take up this work, and as he eschewed politics, respect be- 

328 



APPENDIX 



gan to ripen into admiration, and as the years went on, 
he made fast friends of the best people in the community. 

" He never cast a vote until the question of local option 
came before the people, and then he for the first time regis- 
tered as a voter and took a very active part in the elections 
under that law, and it is very probable that through his 
influence the saloon was abolished in this town, for he car- 
ried the colored vote almost solid for the ' dry' ticket. 
Who can estimate the benefit that that alone has been to 
this community? The six thousand dollars that were an- 
nually spent in the saloons now go to the mechants and 
farmers for necessaries and luxuries for the wives and 
children of those who formerly deposited that large amount 
in the bar-rooms of this town. 

" Captain Schaeffer's influence with his Northern friends 
enabled him to raise large sums of money, with which he 
built a brick college and church on the hill near the depot. 
The school is in a flourishing condition and stands as a 
monument to his fidelity and self-sacrifice for the negro 
race. His character for years has been much admired and 
respected and his loss will be seriously felt, as his influence 
was all for good and there is no one to take his place. He 
leaves a widow and one son, Mr. C. Harry Schaeffer. 

" He was buried on Wednesday of this week in Philadel- 
phia, and funeral services were held at his church on the 
hill at the same hour as in Philadelphia." 



329 



JUL 30 1900 



